Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Study Finds Hidden Artery Plaque in Adults Under 30
Researchers studied 16,808 adults in Denmark and Spain.
They were between 18 and 70 years old and had no known heart disease or related symptoms.
The researchers used detailed pictures to look at arteries in the neck, legs and heart.
They found plaque in more than half of all participants.
The study also reports that about one in 13 adults under 30 had hidden plaque.
The team also examined blood markers, health risks and pictures of the eyes.
The first phase of the REACT project enrolled 16,808 people in Denmark and Spain.
Participants were aged 18 to 70 and had no symptoms or known history of cardiovascular disease.
Advanced imaging found artery plaque in 57.1% of participants overall.
Researchers examined the carotid, femoral and coronary arteries.
The study title reports that about one in 13 adults under 30 already have hidden artery plaque.
- Who
- Researchers enrolled 16,808 adults aged 18 to 70.
- What
- The first phase of the REACT project examined artery plaque and other health measures.
- Where
- Denmark and Spain.
- Project
- REACT, first phase
- Participants
- 16,808 people
- Age range
- 18 to 70
- Overall plaque finding
- Plaque was found in 57.1% of participants.
- Under-30 finding
- The headline reports about one in 13 adults under 30 had hidden artery plaque.
- Arteries examined
- Carotid, femoral and coronary arteries
- Other measures
- Blood markers, risk factors and retinal images