Frequently Asked Questions 12. Atherosclerosis is a medical term that refers specifically to the gradual buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, on the inside walls of the arteries. It is a broad term used to cover a variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis, that lead to abnormal thickening and hardening of artery walls. Arteriosclerosis affects the elderly most often.
Calcium deposits form in the arteries with the result that the arteries become less flexible.