Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Formulas for Treating Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis typically refers to atherosclerotic disease. Traditional Chinese patent medicines commonly used for treating atherosclerosis include Compound Danshen Dripping Pills, Tongxinluo Capsules, Xuezhikang Capsules, Xuefu Zhuyu Oral Liquid, and Songling Xuemai Kang Capsules. Please follow your physician’s instructions when using these medications.

1. Compound Danshen Dripping Pills

This medication primarily contains *Salvia miltiorrhiza* (Danshen), *Panax notoginseng* (Sanqi), and borneol. It promotes blood circulation, resolves stasis, regulates Qi flow, and alleviates pain. It is indicated for chest bi syndrome (angina pectoris) due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis, presenting with symptoms such as chest tightness and stabbing pain in the precordial region. It improves myocardial microcirculation and inhibits platelet aggregation, thereby providing symptomatic relief for myocardial ischemia caused by atherosclerosis.

2. Tongxinluo Capsules

The main ingredients of this formulation include ginseng, leech (*Hirudo*), and ground beetle (*Eupolyphaga*). It invigorates Qi, activates blood circulation, unblocks collaterals, and relieves pain. It is indicated for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and angina pectoris, manifesting as chest oppression, stabbing or constricting pain, and other related symptoms. It helps improve myocardial perfusion compromised by atherosclerosis.

3. Xuezhikang Capsules

The primary active ingredient is red yeast rice (*Monascus purpureus*-fermented rice). This medicine dispels dampness, eliminates phlegm, activates blood circulation, resolves stasis, strengthens the spleen, and aids digestion. It is indicated for syndromes of spleen deficiency with phlegm-stasis obstruction, presenting with shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, etc. It lowers serum lipid levels and inhibits cholesterol synthesis, offering both preventive and therapeutic effects against atherosclerosis.

4. Xuefu Zhuyu Oral Liquid

This preparation contains peach kernel (*Prunus persica*), safflower (*Carthamus tinctorius*), Chinese angelica (*Angelica sinensis*), and rehmannia (*Rehmannia glutinosa*), among others. It activates blood circulation, resolves stasis, regulates Qi, and alleviates pain. It is indicated for internal stasis-induced chest pain or headache, as well as symptoms such as internal heat with mental clouding and restlessness. It improves hemorheological parameters and reduces blood viscosity, thus contributing to the management of atherosclerosis.

5. Songling Xuemai Kang Capsules

The principal ingredients are fresh pine leaves, kudzu root (*Pueraria lobata*), and pearl layer powder. This formula calms liver Yang, anchors ascending Yang, tranquilizes the heart, and soothes the spirit. It is indicated for headache, dizziness, irritability, anger outbursts, and insomnia due to hyperactivity of liver Yang. In patients with hypertension complicated by atherosclerosis, it may help alleviate associated symptoms.

In daily life, it is advisable to cultivate healthy lifestyle habits—avoid excessive physical exertion and intense exercise, which may provoke discomfort. Instead, engage in moderate physical activities appropriate to your individual condition, such as walking or slow jogging, to enhance overall resistance and support recovery.