Based on collateral theory in Chinese medicine and pathological concept in western medicine

the authors advance a new theory that atherosclerosis belong to vascular system diseases. The occurrence and development of atherosclerosis is a dynamic evolution process. Collateral Qi stagnation or deficient stagnation is the initial pathogenesis of vascular diseases

and it goes through the whole process. Stasis and obstruction of blood vessels correspond to atherosclerotic plaques’ pathological changes. Stasis and obstruction of blood vessels could easily lead to spasm of blood vessels

and spasm of blood vessels could increase stasis and obstruction of blood vessels. The development of stasis and obstruction and spasm of blood vessels could lead to completely obstructing blood vessels so that blood flow will be interrupted. Then Zang-fu viscera will be damaged seriously

which will cause blockade of blood vessels. The nature of blood vessel pathogenesis changes caused by all kinds of pathogenic factors is stagnation. The fundamental purpose of collateral disease treatment is keeping collateral unobstructed. The general treatment principle of vascular system disease is unobstructed. Chinese herbal medicines for removing obstruction in collaterals have significant effect on this system disease.