The present invention provides a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis, comprising the step of: measuring the level of carbamylated LDL in a sample obtained from said individual. Further provided is a method of reducing carbamylation in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of: treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid or another enzymatic or non-enzymatic inhibitor of carbamylation. Also provided is a method of preventing carbamylation in an individual with normal renal function, comprising the step of: treating said individual with a monomeric amino acid. Further provided is a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in an individual in need of such reducing, comprising the step of: inhibiting aggregation and/or deposition of carbamylated LDL in said individual.