Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The mechanism of atherosclerosis is not clear in modern medicine. According to traditional Chinese medicine, atherosclerosis is closely related to pathological products such as turbid phlegm and static blood. Turbid phlegm and static blood are caused by dysfunction of viscera and organs and obstruction of transfusion of Qi, blood and body fluid. There is correlation and independence between turbid phlegm and static blood. Qi can move blood, and circulation of blood depends on Qi flow; the stagnation of Qi leads to blood stasis, while the smoothness of Qi causes the turbid phlegm to disappear; the insufficient Qi reasults in the formation of turbid phlegm. Therefore, turbid phlegm and static blood often stick to each other for disease. Modern medicine has different limitations in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of omni-directional and multi-target action, which can affect the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis in all aspects, thus providing a more comprehensive way for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.