Change of carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT) is earlier than the happen of plaque.As the early atherosclerosis (As) indicator it is increasingly attracting people’s attention, and has become a research hotspot at home and abroad.A large number of basic and clinical studies have shown that the traditional risk factors of As are similar to the risk factors of CIMT thickening.Recent international studies have found some other relevant factors can also cause increased CIMT.This paper make a brief overview about research progression of relevant factors of CIMT in recent years, in order to help the diagnosis and treatment of As.