Do arteries thicken with age, and what does it mean for your health?
Yes, arteries do thicken with age, a process known as arteriosclerosis. In fact, studies show that the intimal-medial layer of the carotid artery thickens nearly threefold between the ages of 20 and 90 years in apparently healthy individuals. This age-related change is a natural part of the aging process, but lifestyle factors can accelerate it, turning a normal process into a significant health risk.