CCL2 and hypertensive disorder: In multivariable regression analysis, only MCP-1 (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03–1.07, p = 0.009), total cholesterol (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28–0.93, p = 0.03), and the presence of grade 2 hypertension (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 0.99–10.39, p = 0.05) were independent predictors of carotid plaque instability (Table 3).