Arterial stiffness is a medical term that refers to the hardening of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and other substances. There are several synonyms that describe this condition, including arteriosclerosis, vascular stiffness, and arterial calcification. Arteriosclerosis is the most commonly used synonym and is often used interchangeably with arterial stiffness. Vascular stiffness refers to the decreased elasticity of the blood vessels and can lead to problems in blood flow. Arterial calcification is a type of arteriosclerosis that occurs when calcium deposits accumulate in the arterial walls. While these terms are all technically different, they are often used to refer to the same concept of artery hardening and reduced flexibility.