Recently, the morbidity and mortality of coronary heart disease have been persistently increasing in China, posing a threat to the health and lives of people. Coronary artery and carotid artery share a similar atherosclerotic mechanism. A myriad of studies have confirmed the significance of carotid intima-media thickness and plaque in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and the prediction of cardiovascular events. Ultrasound is a common non-invasive tool for detecting the condition of carotid artery. It can provide carotid atherosclerosis-related indicators economically and quickly. With more comprehensive exploitable indicators, studies on the relationship between these indicators and coronary heart disease go further. This article reviews the recent research progress on carotid atherosclerotic indicators detected by ultrasound in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and the risk assessment of cardiovascular disease.