What Are the Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Disease?

The risk factors for carotid artery disease are similar to those for other types of heart disease. They include:

1. age
2. smoking
3. hypertension (high blood pressure) -- the most important treatable risk factor for stroke
4. abnormal lipids or high cholesterol
5. diet high in saturated fats
6. insulin resistance
7. diabetes
8. obesity
9. sedentary lifestyle
10. family history of atherosclerosis, either coronary artery disease or carotid artery disease

Men under the age of 75 have a greater risk than women. Women have a greater risk over the age of 75. People who have coronary artery disease have an increased risk of developing carotid artery disease. Typically, the carotid arteries become diseased a few years later than the coronary arteries.