Objective To detect the carotid viscoelasticity and the relationship of mechanical properties and viscoelasticity using shear wave dispersion (SWD) technique. Methods Forty-five volunteers were recruited and divided into the older group (≥50 years old) and the younger group (<50 years old) according to the median age. The carotid arteries were examined by SWD and the indicators were obtained, including the carotid elastic modulus (SWER) and viscous index (SWDR), as well as the maximum and average tensile stress of the left and right carotid arteries (L-PTS, L-MTS, R -PTS and R-MTS). The correlations between SWER, SWDR and tensile stress were analyzed by Pearson analysis, respectively. Results ① In the older group, the carotid SWER and SWDR were lower than those in the younger group (P<0.05). ② The R-PTS was also lower in the older group (P<0.05). ③ SWER was positively correlated with R-PTS, R-MTS, L-PTS and L-MTS, respectively (r=0.218, r=0.359, r=0.209 and r=0.369, all P<0.05). SWDR was not significantly associated with R-PTS, R-MTS, L-PTS and L-MTS, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion The carotid tensile stress was related to its elasticity but not related to its viscosity. It could be a new perspective for studying the mechanical properties of the arterial wall.