Objective:This study was designed to investigate the diagnostic value of serum oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) for carotid atherosclerotic plaque stability. Methods:From Oct.2013 to Apr.2014,we enrolled 130 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque as the study group. All these patients were further divided into the unstable atherosclerotic plaque group and the stable atherosclerotic plaque group according to the results of color Doppler ultrasonography. Meanwhile,120 people receiving physical examination in medical examination room and diagnosed with no carotid atherosclerotic plaque were recruited as the control group. The levels of serum TC,LDL-C and oxLDL were examined in all 250 patients. Results:The difference of serum oxLDL level among three groups was statistically significant (F=213.11,P < 0.001). The level of serum oxLDL was much higher in the unstable atherosclerotic plaque group than that of the stable atherosclerotic plaque group,and was lowest in the control group. The area under ROC curve about oxLDL were 0.863 (P < 0.01). Conclusion:The level of serum oxLDL has the diagnostic value for the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaque.