Abstract:This paper introduces the clinical experience of Professor ZHANG Tianfeng using the theory of state- target syndrome differentiation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. “State” refers to overall summary of the state of a certain phase of the disease,and “target” refers to the performance targets of the applied Chinese medicinals at different levels of microcosm and macrocosm, including the specific disease, main clinical symptoms or abnormal physical and chemical indicators corresponding to the performance. Professor ZHANG summarizes and puts forward three patterns of syndrome differentiation, namely combining disease differentiation with syndrome differentiation,following syndrome if the disease is not identified yet, and following disease if the syndrome is not differentiated yet, which is similar to Professor TONG Xiaolin's theory of state- target syndrome differentiation. Professor ZHANG, drawing on the theory of state- target syndrome differentiation, divides atrial fibrillation into three main states which are constraint-deficiency state in the early stage,phlegm-stasis state in the middle stage,and deficiencyimpairment state in the late stage;Zhigancao Decoction,Shengmai Powder,and Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction are selected as the target formulas,and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix,Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma, Corydalis Rhizoma, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle are selected as the target medicinals, which often obtain good curative effects in clinical practice.