[Arteriosclerosis over time].

Arteriosclerosis is a process over time. It is described with reference to its historical dimension, evolution, aspect of comparative anatomy, and autonomy. The need is emphasized for examining this process in its discontinuity, with a view to realizing the variable nature of causative relationships at different stages of the disease. It is of particular interest to clear up the factors responsible for progression of the arteriosclerotic process. In this context, attention should be focussed at the process of aging and its importance to arteriosclerosis in interaction with exogenous noxae.