OBJECTIVE: Postmenopausal women are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Increased serum ferritin level may be involved in the pathogenesis.The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of ferritin and carotid atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.METHODS: A total of 1,178 postmenopausal women (mean age, 60.8 years) were enrolled in this study.A standard interview, anthropometric measurements and laboratory analyses were performed for each participant.Bilateral CIMTs (carotid intima-media thickness) were measured using ultrasonography, and the presence of carotid plaques was assessed.Serum ferritin was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.