Abstract: There are disclosed a prophylactic and curing composition for arteriosclerosis, comprising as an active ingredient an 8-chloro-1,5-benzothiazepine derivative represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 each represent lower alkyl groups, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a method of treatment of arteriosclerosis.