Wall shear stress is an important parameter in hemodynamics. Normal wall shear stress maintains the physiological state of blood vessels, while abnormal wall shear stress is closely related to the pathological progression of atherosclerosis and aneurysm, which is one of the risk factors for the occurrence of malignant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Abnormal wall shear stress destroys the normal function of endothelial cells through different pathogenesis, mediates the initiation and evolution of these two diseases. This article reviews the impact of wall shear stress on atherosclerosis and aneurysm based on literature research in recent years.