Multivariate logistic regression showed that serum MK (p = 0.001), serum creatinine (p = 0.005), age (p < 0.001), iPTH (p = 0.007), and IL-6 (p = 0.024) were significant predictors of carotid atherosclerosis.<h4>Conclusions</h4>As CKD worsened, MK levels, carotid atherosclerosis and CAC increased. Here, IL6 is linked to carotid atherosclerosis.