Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ivabradine in patients with acute coronary syndrome: effects of the If current inhibitor ivabradine on reduction of inflammation markers in patients with acute coronary syndrome--RIVIERA trial study design and rationale.

Elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) represent independent risk factors for further cardiovascular events. In an atherosclerosis model, selective heart rate (HR) reduction with ivabradine has been shown to decrease markers of vascular oxidative stress, to improve endothelial function, and to reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation. We hypothesized that the addition of ivabradine to standard medical therapy has a beneficial effect on markers of inflammatory stress in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients.