Softening of artery walls, making them weak and prone to rupture.
From arterio- (artery) + -malacia (softness or softening). Derived from Greek malakia meaning soft or weak. The term describes a degenerative process opposite to sclerosis.
While most people worry about arteries hardening, arteriomalacia is the opposite problem—arteries become mushy and weak, which can lead to dangerous aneurysms that might suddenly burst like an overpressurized hose.
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