A group of pharmaceutical substances induce elevation of endogenous bile salts and acids via different mechanisms. The elevated circulating bile salts exert a beneficial effect in atherosclerosis by acting both as atherolytic and antiatherogenic agents. The result of the elevated circulating endogenous bile salt is the dissolution of cholesterol/lipidic aggregates of the atherosclerotic plaques.

Embodiments of methods of treating atherosclerosis are described. In some embodiments an emulsifier is provided to achieve levels in the systemic circulation that are effective to solubilize atherosclerotic plaque, resulting in plaque regression. In some embodiments, levels of greater than 50 .mu.M are achieved; in some embodiments levels ranging from about 100 .mu.M to about 600 .mu.M are achieved; in some embodiments, levels ranging from about 100 .mu.M to about 300 .mu.M are achieved. Emulsifiers can include bile salts, saponins, and ionic, nonionic, and zwitterionic detergents, or salts, conjugates, hydrates, solvates, or polymorphs thereof. In some embodiments, a statin can be administered simultaneously or sequentially with an emulsifier.