Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria:

1. ≥50 years of age

2. A history of presumed spontaneous type 1 myocardial infarction >3 months and <5 years prior to randomisation.

3. Subjects should also have at least one of the following risk factors:

● age ≥65 years;

● Angiographic evidence of multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) ● Diabetes mellitus

● Hypertension;

● One or more additional spontaneous myocardial infarction (>3 months ago)

● Chronic renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft Gault equation <60 mL/min*m2)

● Incomplete revascularisation based on coronary angiography

Exclusion criteria:

1. Atrial fibrillation (chronic, persistent or paroxysmal).

2. AV blockage, degree 2–3.

3. Angina at entry CCS* ≥3 despite maximal medical therapy.

4. Acute coronary syndrome within the previous 3 months, including acute revascularisation.

5. Elective PCI within 3 months or CABG within the previous 12 months.

6. Stroke within the previous 6 months.

7. Previous stroke/TIA and ongoing treatment with Persantin or Asasantin.

8. A history of ventricular tachycardia requiring therapy for termination, or symptomatic sustained ventricular tachycardia.

9. Previously known LVEF <30%.

10. NYHA class III-IV heart failure at entry or hospitalisation for exacerbation of chronic heart failure within the previous 3 months.

11. Non-ischemic dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

12. Known anaemia that requires treatment or capillary Hb <100 g/L.

13. Severe renal disease (CKD stage 4 or 5) or previously known creatinine clearance as calculated by Cockcroft Gault equation H).

14. Severe aortic or mitral valvular disease or valvular disease that is likely to require surgery within 3 years.

15. A life expectancy of less than 1 year for non-cardiac related disorders.

16. Inability to comply with the protocol.

Note: *Canadian Cardiovascular Society grading of angina pectoris.