The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor（《黄帝内经》） had two theories about the temporal rhythm of the exacerbation and death of cardiovascular diseases（CVDs）

which were "restraint theory" and "qi transformation theory"

addressing the great influence by external surroundings and internal environment respectively. The clinical studies reporting the temporal rhythm of CVDs progression were analyzed to verity the two theories from The Yellow Emperor′s Inner Classic

and the corresponding protective measures were discussed. The annual rhythm of CVDs progression was predominated by the "restraint theory"

complemented with "qi transformation theory"

explaining that winter was the riskiest season for the worsening and death of CVDs

but simultaneously

CVDs patients were also likely to get worse or even die in the hot summer due to qi transformation of five viscera. The daily rhythm of CVDs progression was predominated by "qi transformation theory"

complemented with "restraint theory"

which explained that morning was the main risky period of CVDs

and CVDs attacks at night were more likely to have secondary cardiovascular events. In accordance with the temporal rhythm of CVDs progression

the chronotherapy of traditional Chinese medicine

night blood pressure reduction treatment protocol

as well as correct self-protection measures

should be adopted to prevent from exacerbation and death of CVDs.