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Background: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of metals and non-metals on the vascular pathologies development. The role of trace elements, including metals and non-metals, on the development of atherosclerosis is not fully understood. Material and methods: The study included 79 patients aged 43-89 year-old who underwent endarterectomy procedure. The acquired atheromatous plaques were quantitatively analyzed for the content of metals and non-metals. The obtained results were analyzed statistically. The study group was divided into groups depending on age and gender. Results: Analysis of the composition of the atherosclerotic plaque showed statistically significant difference in zinc (Zn) level in the atherosclerotic plaque derived from the carotid artery. Male plaques contained significantly more zinc compared to women. In the case of other elements, no statistically significant dependencies were observed. Patients under the age of 70 showed a significantly higher content of boron (B) compared to patients over 70 years of age. In addition, there was a statistically significant negative correlation of the content of this element and the advancement of the examined age. Conclusion: The content of metals and nonmetals in atherosclerotic carotid plaques with the exception of Zn does not show statistically significant differences depending on the sex. With age, the content of these elements has a decreasing tendency, but these differences do not obtain statistical significance except for the level of B. Further research is needed to show possible differences in the chemical composition of atherosclerotic plaques collected from other locations of the arterial system. Interesting analyzes and conclusions could be provided by a comparative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque composition in patients from populations in different geographical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]