Experimental studies suggest that systemic inflammation leads to endothelial dysfunction and
atherosclerosis. This study will examine the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug
sulfasalazine on endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. Subjects will
be treated with sulfasalazine or to placebo for six weeks. After a two-week rest period,
subjects will cross over to the alternative treatment. Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated
dilation of the brachial artery will be studied before and after each drug. We hypothesize
that anti-inflammatory therapy will reverse endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary
artery disease.