You can develop carotid artery disease at any adult age, but its prevalence significantly increases with age, most commonly affecting people over 50, with higher risks in males over 55 and females over 55, though plaque can be detected even in young adults. Risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol accelerate its development, making it a significant cause of stroke, especially in older adults.
Ten percent of adults between the ages of 80 and 89 suffer from carotid artery disease, but only one percent of adults between 50 and 59 suffer from it. Also, blockage in the carotid artery is higher in people who smoke, have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Symptoms
Centre of disease control prevalence data for the year 2010 revealed that prevalence of CAD in the age group of 18 to 44 years, 45 to 64 years and more than 65 years was 1.2%, 7.1% and 19.8% respectively[17].
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.
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
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.
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.
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.
Cardiac catheterization and angiogram.
This test can see blockages in the heart arteries. A doctor places a long, thin flexible tube called a catheter in a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist.
The main blood vessels in your neck that send blood to your eyes and brain. There are two carotid arteries in your neck: one on the right side and one on the left side. Read an overview of general eye anatomy to learn how the parts of the eye work together.
Narrowing of the carotid arteries by more than 50% is present in 2-4% of individuals over the age of 65; however, most of these people will never have a stroke.
The progression of carotid stenosis conveys an even greater stroke risk. Previous largescale studies have found that ∼20% of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis will experience disease progression within 10 years.
Small vessel disease is commonly seen on brain scans. At the age of 50, some people have some evidence of small vessel disease, and at the age of 80, most people have it. Most people do not have symptoms from cerebral small vessel disease, but some do.
Furthermore, it was shown that people with higher rises in systolic blood pressure during frustrating psychological stress have more severe36 and greater progression37 of carotid atherosclerosis.
The new AHA guidelines point out that some heart patients should not lift weights, including those with unstable coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and severe pulmonary hypertension.
Results show that managing the condition with beta blockers, calcium blockers, statins, aspirin therapy, and forms of nitroglycerin can allow more patients to avoid common and invasive bypass or stent procedures.
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.
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
Silent heart attacks (called Silent Myocardial Infarction or SMI) often lack the classic severe chest pain, instead presenting as mild discomfort, fatigue, heartburn, or a flu-like illness that may be ignored.
Common Heart Conditions in Active People
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Caused by plaque build-up in the arteries, CAD restricts blood flow to the heart and can lead to angina or heart attacks. Genetic factors and high cholesterol can contribute to CAD even in those who are physically fit.
Atherosclerosis is very common. The complications of plaque buildup (including heart attacks and strokes) are the leading cause of death worldwide. In America, about half of people age 45 to 84 have atherosclerosis but aren't aware of it, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
The average age for a first heart attack is 65.6 years for men and 72.0 years for women, based on data from 2005-2014. However, in last 10 to 15 years, there has been a noticeable increase in incidence of heart disease in people less than 50 years of age.