TCM Treatment Evaluation for Coronary Heart Disease
1. Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine uses a variety of single herbs and herbal formulas to treat coronary artery disease. The following herbs can be used to treat one or more aspects of heart blood stasis:
-- Radix Paeoniae Rubra (Chishaoyao), eliminates heart stasis and invigorates blood.
-- Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), long popular as a tonic for the blood that improves movement of blood through the heart.
-- Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (Niuxi), eliminates blood stasis and invigorates blood.
-- Fructus Aurantii (Zhike), improves the flow of qi through the heart and body.
-- Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui), invigorates and harmonizes the blood, tonifies blood, and dispels cold.

As is often the case in Chinese herbal medicine, patients with arteriosclerosis are treated with combinations of herbs that offer a variety of benefits. For example, a traditional preparation known as Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction) consisting of 11 herbs has been used to treat coronary heart disease and angina pectoris (chest pain associated with coronary artery disease). One small study observed a comparison of this formula to standard pharmaceutical care in 30 patients over 28 days; the study found the herbal medicine was highly effective for angina pectoris and ECG improvement, and slightly outperforming the pharmaceutical control group. Chinese herbal medicine is most effective when given in customized prescriptions by an experienced practitioner. Herbal medicine can interact with prescription medicines, so it is advisable to always inform your practitioner of any medications you may be taking.

2. Chinese Medicine Nutrition  
Chinese medicine also emphasizes the importance of proper diet in treating any type of health disorder. In the case of arteriosclerosis, for example, practitioners would recommend certain foods that are especially beneficial to heart function. These foods include:

Hawthorne fruit (Shan Zha), to prevent the formation of phlegm that can lead to blood clotting in the coronary arteries.
Honey, shown to be helpful in preventing many forms of heart disease.
Tea, which can reduce swellings that often accompany coronary disease.
Corn, to strengthen the heart.
Dates, to control palpitations and improve the flow of blood and qi in the heart.