Atherosclerosis (As) is the basis of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Macrophage, smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell are the main cell involved in As lesions, and many studies have confirmed that the programmed cell death (PCD) of these cells can affect the development of As, and the regulation of the PCD of these cells may become the key to prevent and control As. In recent years, many studies have found that non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is involved in PCD by regulating related factors, such as apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis,ferroptosis and cuproptosis. This article discusses the mechanisms by which ncRNA affect As by regulating PCD and provides new ideas for As treatment.