What does narrowing of the arteries lead to?

Narrowing of the arteries, a condition often referred to as arterial stenosis, leads to resistance to blood flow. When arteries become narrower, the space available for blood to pass through is reduced. This increased resistance means that the heart must work harder to pump blood through these constricted areas. As a result, the overall efficiency of blood circulation is compromised.

In conditions like atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up inside the arteries, this narrowing not only increases resistance but can also lead to a range of cardiovascular issues, including hypertension and decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. Understanding this relationship is critical in assessing cardiovascular health and the implications of arterial narrowing.