Atherosclerosis does not usually cause elevated D-dimer; acute thrombotic disorders can lead to elevated plasma D-dimer. Atherosclerosis occurs mostly in the arterial system, where the walls of the arterial blood vessels show a decrease in elasticity, an increase in stiffness, and even a narrowing of the arterial lumen in response to a variety of factors. Factors contributing to atherosclerosis include age, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, etc. Atherosclerosis without acute thrombosis does not usually result in elevated plasma D-dimer. Acute thrombotic diseases can lead to plasma D-dimer elevation, such as lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, aortic coarctation, etc. Patients with elevated D-dimer should pay attention to relevant examinations to understand the specific location of the thrombus in the patient, and if necessary, to carry out ultrasound of vascular, cardiac enzymes, pulmonary artery CTA and other conditions of the examination. Patients with elevated D-dimer should go to the hospital, and under the guidance of the doctor to carry out relevant examinations and treatment.