Background: Resistin is an adipocytokine belonging to the family of cysteine rich secretory proteins. Studies have shown the potential role of resistin in atherogenesis and vascular inflammation. We sought to determine whether there is a correlation between resistin and atheroscleosis in treated hypertensive patients, independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: This study consisted of 307 patients who were being treated for hypertension. At the time of enrollment, the patients underwent a baseline laboratory assessment of resistin levels and carotid intima media thickness(carotid IMT). There were 76 patients with significant CAD. Subjects were categorized according to the tertile level of resistin(Group 1: 1st tertile, Group 2: 2nd tertile, Group 3: 3rd tertile). Group 1 consisted of 102 patients (mean age 56 짹 10 years), Group 2 had 103 patients (mean age 55 짹 11 years) and Group 3 had 102 patients (mean age 56 짹 11 years). Results: The carotid IMT increased significantly in the highest tertile of resistin group(group3). Group 1 demonstrated mean carotid IMT and mean of maximum carotid IMT of 0.63 짹 0.08, 0.81 짹 0.10 mm, respectively, Group 2 was 0.63 짹 0.08, 0.81 짹 0.12 mm and Group 3 was 0.67짹0.12, 0.86 짹 0.11 (p = 0.002). The resistin level was independently associated with carotid IMT (mean carotid IMT: R2=0.159, p < 0.001, mean of maximum carotid IMT: R2=0.162, p < 0.001) after controlling for age, gender, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, smoking, DM. There was significant association between presence of CAD and the highest tertile of resistin(odds ratio = 3.097, p =0.004) after controlling for age, gender, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, smoking, DM, carotid IMT. Conclusion: The highest tertile of resistin was associated with carotid atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, independent of age, gender, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, smoking, DM, in treated hypertension