How can arteriosclerosis affect athletic performance?

Arteriosclerosis: If it impairs blood flow to the heart or other organs it can impair performance

In many ways: Atherosclerosis leads to narrowing and stiffening of the arterial vessels through which blood flows to perfuse tissues. This causes an increased workload for the heart and possibly less oxygenation of various tissues and organs, which can impede optimal athletic performance. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/peripheralarterialdisease.html , http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/atherosclerosis.html