GITNUXREPORT 2025

Atherosclerosis Statistics

Atherosclerosis causes half of global cardiovascular deaths, affecting most over 60.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global economic burden of atherosclerosis-related diseases exceeds hundreds of billions of dollars annually

Statistic 2

Imaging techniques such as carotid ultrasound and coronary calcium scoring are used for early detection of atherosclerosis

Statistic 3

Atherosclerosis accounts for approximately 50% of all deaths from cardiovascular disease worldwide

Statistic 4

Atherosclerosis can lead to the formation of plaque in multiple arteries, affecting the brain, heart, and extremities

Statistic 5

Approximately 1.5 million heart attacks occur yearly due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture

Statistic 6

Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques, with CRP levels correlating with risk

Statistic 7

Approximately 25% of patients with advanced atherosclerosis develop peripheral artery disease, leading to limb ischemia

Statistic 8

The infiltration of macrophages into the arterial wall is a hallmark of early atherosclerotic lesion development

Statistic 9

Endothelial dysfunction is considered an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis, often preceding plaque formation

Statistic 10

Recent studies suggest that gut microbiota composition influences the development of atherosclerosis, through metabolites like TMAO

Statistic 11

The prevalence of atherosclerosis in HIV-positive individuals is higher than in the general population, due to chronic inflammation

Statistic 12

Inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6, are elevated in patients with atherosclerosis, correlating with plaque burden and risk of events

Statistic 13

The prevalence of atherosclerosis increases with age, affecting over 70% of individuals over 60 years old

Statistic 14

Men are at a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis at a younger age compared to women

Statistic 15

Approximately 20-25% of people with atherosclerosis develop coronary artery disease

Statistic 16

High LDL cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, with levels above 160 mg/dL increasing risk

Statistic 17

About 10-20% of people with atherosclerosis remain asymptomatic for years

Statistic 18

The presence of hypertension increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis by 2-4 times

Statistic 19

Diabetes mellitus accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risk significantly

Statistic 20

Smoking doubles the risk of developing atherosclerosis compared to non-smokers

Statistic 21

Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with increased atherosclerosis risk, particularly those above 200 mg/dL

Statistic 22

Obesity is linked with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of atherosclerosis, especially with central adiposity

Statistic 23

Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia have a significantly higher risk of early-onset atherosclerosis, often developing symptoms before age 20

Statistic 24

The prevalence of carotid artery atherosclerosis in the general population is approximately 10-15%, increasing with age

Statistic 25

About 30% of strokes are caused by atherosclerosis of arteries supplying blood to the brain

Statistic 26

Women tend to develop atherosclerosis later in life than men, partly due to protective effects of estrogen before menopause

Statistic 27

The presence of metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events

Statistic 28

The lifetime risk of developing coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis exceeds 50% in men and women aged 40 and above

Statistic 29

Chronic kidney disease is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risk

Statistic 30

Genetic factors contribute to approximately 40-60% of the variability in atherosclerosis susceptibility

Statistic 31

Physical activity reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, with sedentary lifestyle increasing risk by up to 30%

Statistic 32

Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, with elevated levels increasing cardiovascular risk

Statistic 33

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing early atherosclerosis, partly due to insulin resistance

Statistic 34

Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events

Statistic 35

Elevated C-reactive protein levels are predictive of future cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerosis

Statistic 36

The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (TC/HDL ratio) greater than 5 is considered high risk for atherosclerosis

Statistic 37

Patients with lupus erythematosus have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis due to chronic inflammation

Statistic 38

The incidence of atherosclerosis-related strokes is higher in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, contributing significantly to morbidity

Statistic 39

The lifetime risk of developing peripheral artery disease due to atherosclerosis is approximately 20-25% in the general population aged 50 and older

Statistic 40

Dietary intake of saturated fats is associated with an increase in LDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis risk, especially when combined with other risk factors

Statistic 41

Epigenetic modifications may influence gene expression related to atherosclerosis susceptibility, highlighting potential for personalized medicine

Statistic 42

Physical inactivity contributes to the development of atherosclerosis by promoting obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, increasing overall cardiovascular risk

Statistic 43

Certain ethnic groups, such as South Asians, have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases, partly due to genetic and lifestyle factors

Statistic 44

Lifestyle modification, including diet and exercise, can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in early stages

Statistic 45

Statin therapy has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerosis by up to 30-40%

Statistic 46

The use of antiplatelet agents (like aspirin) reduces the risk of cardiovascular events associated with atherosclerosis

Statistic 47

Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce atherosclerosis progression by decreasing inflammation

Statistic 48

Statins are effective in reducing inflammatory markers in patients with atherosclerosis, contributing to plaque stabilization

Statistic 49

The use of PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 60%, thereby lowering atherosclerosis risk

Statistic 50

Atherosclerosis-related mortality rates have declined in high-income countries over the past two decades due to improved prevention and treatment

Statistic 51

Antioxidants like vitamins C and E have been studied for their potential to slow atherosclerosis progression, with mixed results

Statistic 52

The mutation of the PCSK9 gene can lead to lower LDL levels and reduced risk of atherosclerosis, providing a target for new therapies

Slide 1 of 52

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Key Highlights

Atherosclerosis accounts for approximately 50% of all deaths from cardiovascular disease worldwide
The prevalence of atherosclerosis increases with age, affecting over 70% of individuals over 60 years old
Men are at a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis at a younger age compared to women
Approximately 20-25% of people with atherosclerosis develop coronary artery disease
High LDL cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, with levels above 160 mg/dL increasing risk
About 10-20% of people with atherosclerosis remain asymptomatic for years
Atherosclerosis can lead to the formation of plaque in multiple arteries, affecting the brain, heart, and extremities
The presence of hypertension increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis by 2-4 times
Diabetes mellitus accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risk significantly
Lifestyle modification, including diet and exercise, can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in early stages
Approximately 1.5 million heart attacks occur yearly due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture
Smoking doubles the risk of developing atherosclerosis compared to non-smokers
Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with increased atherosclerosis risk, particularly those above 200 mg/dL

Did you know that atherosclerosis, responsible for roughly half of all cardiovascular deaths worldwide, silently affects over 70% of people over 60 and can lead to deadly blockages in arteries supplying your heart, brain, and limbs?

Complications, Outcomes, and Economic Impact

The global economic burden of atherosclerosis-related diseases exceeds hundreds of billions of dollars annually

Complications, Outcomes, and Economic Impact Interpretation

With a price tag in the hundreds of billions annually, atherosclerosis not only cloaks our arteries but also our economies in a costly health crisis—proving that clogged arteries are truly bad for business.

Diagnostic Methods and Imaging Techniques

Imaging techniques such as carotid ultrasound and coronary calcium scoring are used for early detection of atherosclerosis

Diagnostic Methods and Imaging Techniques Interpretation

While imaging techniques like carotid ultrasound and coronary calcium scoring serve as valuable early warning systems, their usage underscores the pressing need to address the root causes of atherosclerosis before these silent threats become overt—or catastrophic.

Pathophysiology and Disease Progression

Atherosclerosis accounts for approximately 50% of all deaths from cardiovascular disease worldwide
Atherosclerosis can lead to the formation of plaque in multiple arteries, affecting the brain, heart, and extremities
Approximately 1.5 million heart attacks occur yearly due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture
Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques, with CRP levels correlating with risk
Approximately 25% of patients with advanced atherosclerosis develop peripheral artery disease, leading to limb ischemia
The infiltration of macrophages into the arterial wall is a hallmark of early atherosclerotic lesion development
Endothelial dysfunction is considered an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis, often preceding plaque formation
Recent studies suggest that gut microbiota composition influences the development of atherosclerosis, through metabolites like TMAO
The prevalence of atherosclerosis in HIV-positive individuals is higher than in the general population, due to chronic inflammation
Inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6, are elevated in patients with atherosclerosis, correlating with plaque burden and risk of events

Pathophysiology and Disease Progression Interpretation

Atherosclerosis, responsible for half of all cardiovascular fatalities and influenced by factors from gut microbes to HIV-related inflammation, underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach—early detection, lifestyle changes, and innovative treatments—to keep our arteries from turning into silent killers.

Risk Factors and Predisposing Conditions

The prevalence of atherosclerosis increases with age, affecting over 70% of individuals over 60 years old
Men are at a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis at a younger age compared to women
Approximately 20-25% of people with atherosclerosis develop coronary artery disease
High LDL cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, with levels above 160 mg/dL increasing risk
About 10-20% of people with atherosclerosis remain asymptomatic for years
The presence of hypertension increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis by 2-4 times
Diabetes mellitus accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risk significantly
Smoking doubles the risk of developing atherosclerosis compared to non-smokers
Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with increased atherosclerosis risk, particularly those above 200 mg/dL
Obesity is linked with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of atherosclerosis, especially with central adiposity
Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia have a significantly higher risk of early-onset atherosclerosis, often developing symptoms before age 20
The prevalence of carotid artery atherosclerosis in the general population is approximately 10-15%, increasing with age
About 30% of strokes are caused by atherosclerosis of arteries supplying blood to the brain
Women tend to develop atherosclerosis later in life than men, partly due to protective effects of estrogen before menopause
The presence of metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events
The lifetime risk of developing coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis exceeds 50% in men and women aged 40 and above
Chronic kidney disease is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, increasing cardiovascular risk
Genetic factors contribute to approximately 40-60% of the variability in atherosclerosis susceptibility
Physical activity reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, with sedentary lifestyle increasing risk by up to 30%
Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, with elevated levels increasing cardiovascular risk
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of developing early atherosclerosis, partly due to insulin resistance
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events
Elevated C-reactive protein levels are predictive of future cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerosis
The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (TC/HDL ratio) greater than 5 is considered high risk for atherosclerosis
Patients with lupus erythematosus have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis due to chronic inflammation
The incidence of atherosclerosis-related strokes is higher in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, contributing significantly to morbidity
The lifetime risk of developing peripheral artery disease due to atherosclerosis is approximately 20-25% in the general population aged 50 and older
Dietary intake of saturated fats is associated with an increase in LDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis risk, especially when combined with other risk factors
Epigenetic modifications may influence gene expression related to atherosclerosis susceptibility, highlighting potential for personalized medicine
Physical inactivity contributes to the development of atherosclerosis by promoting obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, increasing overall cardiovascular risk
Certain ethnic groups, such as South Asians, have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases, partly due to genetic and lifestyle factors

Risk Factors and Predisposing Conditions Interpretation

Atherosclerosis quietly escalates with age and lifestyle choices—particularly smoking, poor diet, and inactivity—turning the cardiovascular 'time bomb' into a ticking crisis that disproportionately affects men early and women later, with genetics, comorbidities, and ethnicity all playing their part in the complex game of arterial risk roulette.

Treatment Options and Prevention Strategies

Lifestyle modification, including diet and exercise, can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in early stages
Statin therapy has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerosis by up to 30-40%
The use of antiplatelet agents (like aspirin) reduces the risk of cardiovascular events associated with atherosclerosis
Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce atherosclerosis progression by decreasing inflammation
Statins are effective in reducing inflammatory markers in patients with atherosclerosis, contributing to plaque stabilization
The use of PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 60%, thereby lowering atherosclerosis risk
Atherosclerosis-related mortality rates have declined in high-income countries over the past two decades due to improved prevention and treatment
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E have been studied for their potential to slow atherosclerosis progression, with mixed results
The mutation of the PCSK9 gene can lead to lower LDL levels and reduced risk of atherosclerosis, providing a target for new therapies

Treatment Options and Prevention Strategies Interpretation

While lifestyle changes and targeted therapies like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors are steering the battle against atherosclerosis with impressive numbers, a healthy dose of prevention remains the best prescription for cardiovascular health.