In the univariable logistic regression, the following factors were associated with carotid atherosclerosis: age > 45 years (OR = 12.0, 95% CI: 1.4–98.8, p = .02), hypertension (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.2–12.1, p = .02), and high-level of soluble thrombomodulin (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.2–10.0, p = .02). The gene discussed is THBD; the disease is hypertensive disorder.