The present invention identifies two circulating proteins that have been newly identified as being differentially expressed in atherosclerosis. Circulating levels of these two proteins, particularly as a panel of proteins, can discriminate patients with acute myocardial infarction from those with stable exertional angina and from those with no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Such levels can also predict cardiovascular events, determine the effectiveness of therapy, stage disease, and the like. For example, these markers are useful as surrogate biomarkers of clinical events needed for development of vascular specific pharmaceutical agents.