Which condition is classified as a degenerative disease?

Arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) is classified as a degenerative disease because it involves the progressive deterioration of the arterial walls due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of cardiovascular events. This condition illustrates the long-term damage that can occur to the cardiovascular system as a result of factors such as aging, high cholesterol, hypertension, and lifestyle choices. Over time, this degeneration can result in serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes.

In contrast, the common cold is an acute infectious disease caused by viruses, and hemophilia is a genetic disorder affecting blood coagulation. Cleft lip is a congenital condition that occurs during fetal development and does not progress as a degenerative disease would. Therefore, ASHD stands out as the condition that is primarily characterized by degenerative changes over time.