Study Design and Baseline Characteristics of the Study to Evaluate Carotid Ultrasound Changes in Patients Treated with Ramipril and Vitamin E: SECURE**This study was supported by Research Grant Ul-12363 from the Medicine Research Council of Canada, Ottawa; and by Hoechst Marion Roussel, Laval, Canada, Inc.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in most developed countries. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and vitamin E therapy may retard the atherosclerotic process; however, definitive proof in humans is lacking. The Study to Evaluate Carotid Ultrasound Changes in Patients Treated with Ramipril and Vitamin E (SECURE) is designed to assess the …