Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study patients

INCLUSION CRITERIA

 • Current or former heavy smoking habit

 • Age: 55–79 years

 • High risk of coronary artery disease

 • Previous diagnosis of coronary artery disease

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

 • Age < 40 years

 • Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome

 • History of allergic reactions

 • Irregular heart rate

 • Chronic renal failure (i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m²)

 • Microalbuminuria

 • Lack of consent