Aim To investigate the effects of Tongxinluo and simvastatin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rabbit aortic atherosclerotic plaques. Methods The rabbit aortic atherosclerotic model was developed by high cholesterol feeding. The concentrations of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined. The levels of VEGF protein in atherosclerotic plaques were studied by means of immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. The expressions of VEGF mRNA were studied by means of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Tongxinluo and simvastatin decreased the levels of VEGF protein in atherosclerotic plaques and the concentrations of ox-LDL and LDH. Conclusion Tongxinluo and simvastatin can decelerate the progression of atherosclerosis and protect the function of endothelial cells.