Provided are a targeting aptamer for atherosclerosis and preparation method and application thereof. The targeting aptamer for atherosclerosis is obtained through screening of macrophage-derived foam cells together with the reverse screening of smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and THP-1 cells using the SELEX method； and the use of the targeting aptamer in preparation of a target MRI nano-contrast agent for atherosclerosis allows the specific binding of the target MRI nano-contrast agent for atherosclerosis only with the macrophage-derived foam cells, and allows high specific binding thereof in AS diseased vascular tissues, thus improving targeting of the target MRI nano-contrast agent for atherosclerosis and realizing early specific diagnosis of arterial sclerosis.
