Aim To investigate the correlation between risk factors of cardiovascular and cerebro-vascular disease and carotid atherosclerosis. Methods From August 2010 to August 2013, 916 subjects were eligibly enrolled from health care center. Participants were classified into four groups, namely, 0 risk factor group （control group, n226）, 1 risk factor group （n239）, 2 risk factors group （n234）, and ≥3 risk factors group （n217） according to the incorporated number of risk factors. Carotid artery ultrasound examination and blood biochemical tests were performed in all participants. Results The incidence of plaque was 7.52% in control group, 15.06% in 1 risk factor group, 23.93% in 2 risk factors group, and 45.16% in ≥3 risk factors group. From control group to ≥3 risk factors group, incidence of carotid artery plaque was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Intima-media thickness was 0.94±0.32 mm in control group, 1.12±0.34 mm in 1 risk factor group, 1.25±0.33 mm in 2 risk factors group, and 1.37±0.39 mm in ≥3 risk factors group. Crouse scores was 0.24±0.64 in control group, 0.58±1.21 in 1 risk factor group, 0.85±1.26 in 2 risk factors group, and 1.32±1.64 in ≥3 risk factors group. There were significant increments in carotid artery intima-media thickness and Crouse scores from control group to ≥3 risk factors group （P<0.01）. Control group was as referee, the incidence of plaque was 1.27 times in 1 risk factor group, 2.31 times in 2 risk factor group, and 4.68 times in ≥3 risk factors group （all P<0.01）. Conclusion There was combined synergy effect between risk factors on carotid atherosclerosis and plaque.