Human Cystatin C, a basic low molecular weight protein with 120 amino acid residues, is a serum measure of renal function that appears to be independent of age, sex and lean muscle. Elevated Cystatin C level were independently associated with both ischemic, hemorrhagic stroke and Cystatin C was a strong predictor for the risk of cardiovascular events and death. A close relationship was found between Cystatin C and subclinical small vessel disease, independently of conventional risk factor in community-based elderly.