Vigen T, Ihle-Hansen H, Lyngbakken MN, et al. - Using a cohort (n = 2,714) including individuals participating in two separate studies, 23 years apart, researchers assessed carotid plaque burden, echolucent plaques and carotid intima–media thickness late midlife in correlation with a single time-point measurement of SBP, DBP and pulse pressure at the age of 40. Cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle variables at age 40 were evaluated in a nationwide Norwegian cardiovascular screening survey, named as "The Age 40 Program", run from 1985 to 1999. Ultrasound examinations of the carotid arteries were performed in a population-based cohort study, named "The ACE 1950 Study", including individuals born in 1950 and run from 2012 to 2015. Findings revealed the association of a single time-point measurement of SBP and DBP at age 40 with carotid plaque burden late midlife, also following adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors at age 40, and of late midlife blood pressure (BP). A strong link between BP and atherosclerosis was highlighted in this study.