Role of lymphatic system in coronary heart disease based on theory of combined phlegm and stasis / 中国中药杂志

ABSTRACT

According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, coronary heart disease(CHD) is mainly caused by heart vessel obstruction due to Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and phlegm turbidity. Chest impediment with combined phlegm and stasis is a common syndrome of CHD, with the manifestations of chest tightness, chest pain, and asthma. Lymphatic system is one of the important immune systems in the human body and has a close relationship with the Qi and blood movement in TCM. The dysfunction of the lymphatic system may lead to metabolism disorders, the generation of dampness pathogen which turns into sticky and difficult-to-dissolve phlegm turbidity. Moreover, it can affect blood circulation and coagulation, causing slow blood flow, increased blood viscosity, and microcirculation disorders. Alterations in lymphatic hydrodynamics may affect the interaction between blood circulation and the lymphatic system. A variety of small molecule drugs and TCM can treat cardiovascular diseases by targeting the lymphatic system. This review discusses the role of the lymphatic system in CHD based on the theory of combined phlegm and stasis, involving the influences of mechanical factors on lymphatic function and the effects and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM and chemicals that target lymphocyte function and lymphatic circulation. By expounding the development process of combined phlegm and stasis in CHD from the lymphatic system, this paper aims to provide new ideas for deciphering pharmacological mechanisms of TCM for resolving phlegm and stasis.