Objective To investigate the effects of atorvastutin on the levels of plasm imflammation markers (hs - CRP, MMP - 3, TNF - α) and intima - media thickness(ITM) of the common carotid artery in patient with hyperlipidemic and atherosclerosis. Methods Fifty patient with hyperlipidemic and atherosclerosis were treated with atorvastatin (10mg qd) for 12 weeks. The levels of TC, TG, LDL -C, HDL -C, hs -CRP, TNF -α and MMP -3 were detected with radioimmmuneassay and eolorimetric methods. Color Doppler echo-cardiography was used to measure intima -media thickness(ITM) of the common carotid artery after 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Results TC, TG, LDL -C, hs -CRP, TNF -α and MMP -3 were decreased significantly(P < 0.01)after 12 weeks. IMT was decreased signifi-cantly(P < 0.05) and HDL - C was increased significantly (P < 0.05) after 12 weeks. Conclusion Atorvastatin could be effective in re-ducing blood - fat and anti - inflammatory action , regulating blood vessel endothelium (BVE) function and reversing structural chan-ges in IMT of the common carotid artery.