摘要：

Experimental data have shown that reduction in atherosclerosis progression can be obtained through chronic heart rate reduction. Heart rate is significantly correlated with the severity and progression of atherosclerosis on coronary angiography in patients. Limitation of the progression of atherosclerosis may therefore become an important therapeutic target of the specific heart rate reducing agent ivabradine. The ability of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to assess plaque burden precisely makes it the ideal tool for a clinical trial of progression and regression of atherosclerosis. The present article provides an overview of the design and of some methodological features of a clinical trial to assess the effects of ivabradine on the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, as assessed by IVUS.

展开