Aim To investigate the situation and risk factors of carotid artery mean intima-media thickness (MIMT) and atherosclerotic plaques in healthy army people in Nanchang. Methods We performed high-resolution carotid arterial ultrasonography and routine blood detection in 800 healthy army people who were more than 30 years old in Nanchang. Results Mean intima-media thickness increased with age(P<0.01). The age-related increase trend of MIMT was different between male and female. There were no significant differences between gender except in 40-49 and 50-59 groups. The plaque formation rate was 28.00%(224/800), increased with age(P<0.01). The age-related increase trend of plaque formation rate was also different between male and female. There were no significant differences between gender except in 40-49 group. MIMT and atherosclerotic plaque were all independently related to age, gender and low density lipoprotein whose level was normal in usual criterion, while systolic blood pressure was independently related to MIMT only. The low density lipoprotein and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in male than that in female in 40-49 group(P is less than 0.01and 0.05 respectively). Conclusion Age, gender and low density lipoprotein level were independent risk factors of MIMT and plaque formation while systolic blood pressure was only independently related to MIMT; The age-related increase trends of MIMT and plaque formation rate were significantly different between male and female. Gender difference could mostly be seen in 40-49 group.