Arterial plaque (atherosclerosis) can start building up as early as childhood, with early signs potentially visible in children under 10, and it tends to progress more noticeably in the teens, 20s, and 30s, becoming common by middle age (40s-50s). While it's a slow, lifelong process, risk factors increase rapidly after age 45 for men and 55 for women, with many people over 60 having some plaque.
Sometimes referred to as hardened, blocked or clogged arteries, atherosclerosis can be a complex condition. But the good news is that atherosclerosis is highly treatable when diagnosed early. Atherosclerosis symptoms can begin as early as childhood and usually progress more rapidly between ages 40 and 50.
Plaque buildup takes many years, even decades. But as your arteries narrow, you may notice mild symptoms. These symptoms mean your heart is pumping harder to deliver oxygen-rich blood to your body.
Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin. As it builds up in the arteries, the artery walls become thickened and stiff. Atherosclerosis is a slow, progressive disease that may start as early as childhood. However, it can progress rapidly.
Clogged arteries – which can lead to heart attacks and strokes – can begin to develop in young adulthood. But a new study suggests it may be less likely to happen to those who better adhere to a set of lifestyle behaviors and factors such as maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
McMaster-led study shows hidden fat contributes to artery damage, regardless of body weight. Hamilton, ON — October 17, 2025) — A new study led by researchers at McMaster University reveals that hidden fat deep inside the abdomen and liver may quietly damage arteries, even in people who appear healthy.
Anyone can have high cholesterol, even if you are young, slim, eat well and exercise. That's because high cholesterol can be caused by different things, including your genes. High cholesterol is very common, but most people don't know they have it because it doesn't usually have any symptoms.
Unfortunately, as we age, plaque accumulates in our arteries. This starts as soft, cholesterol-laden plaque that eventually calcifies and hardens. Even though the process effectively begins at birth, most people do not have clinically significant blockages in their arteries until they are well into middle age.
In the U.S., the average age for a first heart attack in men is 65. That's why coronary artery disease is labeled a disease of senior citizens. But as many as 4% to 10% of all heart attacks occur before age 45, and most of these strike men.
Symptoms
High blood pressure and high cholesterol
Cholesterol is the main component in plaque. Your liver naturally produces all the cholesterol you need, but you may consume extra cholesterol in the food you eat. As cholesterol increases in your blood, it can form fatty deposits (plaque) in your arteries.
Early stages of plaque accumulation, or atherosclerosis, usually have no symptoms. But as the plaque grows larger, it can trigger vessel spasms or “pop” like a pimple causing the sudden formation of a blood clot in the vessel. When this happens, blood supply to organs or tissues can be suddenly blocked.
While some studies suggest statins may reduce plaque volume, the reduction is small even with the use of high-dose statins. Due to this small change in plaque volume, other effects of statin therapy on plaques have been proposed.
For most Americans over the age of 60, atherosclerosis is a common fact of life, viewed as an inevitable consequence of growing old. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque, composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances, builds up inside the arteries.
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
Making plaque disappear is not possible, but with lifestyle changes and medication they can shrink and stabilize. Doctors especially want to target the softer plaques before they rupture.
Skali emphasizes that regular exercise isn't just for those who are looking to prevent heart problems. It can help people whose heart muscle is already damaged. Although exercise can't clear existing plaque from clogged arteries, it can help prevent further accumulation.
Studies say the average age for coronary stent implantation is about 65 years. This number changes based on heart disease rates and new medical tech.
Some of the most common coronary artery disease symptoms include:
Although atherosclerosis is believed to progress over many years, it has been increasingly noted to progress over few months to 2-3 years in few patients without traditional factors for accelerated atherosclerosis. Hence the term rapid progression of atherosclerosis has been used in recent years.
Symptoms of Calcium Build-Up
Habits to Prevent Plaque Build-Up
Consuming high-fat or full fat dairy products or sugary foods can temporarily elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, giving a misleading picture of your lipid profile. This occurs because the body metabolizes fats and sugars into lipids, which circulate in the blood.
Think brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing. Aerobic workouts get your heart pumping and help lower LDL while increasing HDL. Aim for: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like walking fast enough to break a light sweat), or.
How Much Weight to Lose to Lower Your Cholesterol. Losing as little as 10 pounds can be enough to improve your cholesterol levels. In one study, people who lost at least 5% of their weight significantly reduced their levels of LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.