The risk factors for carotid artery disease are similar to those for other types of heart disease. They include:
- age
- smoking
- hypertension (high blood pressure) -- the most important treatable risk factor for stroke
- abnormal lipids or high cholesterol
- diet high in saturated fats
- insulin resistance
- diabetes
- obesity
- sedentary lifestyle
- 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.
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