Methodological issues facing studies of atherosclerotic change.

Background. The association between coronary heart disease and lesions of the coronary arteries has led to investigations of different interventions on atherosclerotic change. Currently, B-mode ultrasound of the peripheral arterial vessels, rather than arteriography of the coronary arteries, provides the most accurate evaluation of atherosclerotic disease extent in the patient. Methods and Results. When measuring the effect of risk factor modification on atherosclerotic change, it is important to select appropriate methods and end points for quantifying disease and evaluating subsequent change