Elevated heart rate is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The inhibitor of funny current (I(f)), a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel current, ivabradine is a new agent selectively reducing heart rate devoid of other cardiovascular effects, which has come into the market in Europe for more than 3 years. It has been approved that pure heart rate reduction by ivabradine can improve myocardial ischemia, endothelial function and myocardial contractile function. Long-term administration will not increase all-cause mortality. Its therapeutic value in stable coronary artery disease has been verified in clinical practice, while in other fields of cardiovascular diseases still needs more evidence-based medical research. This article is a review about its recent research advances in experimental and clinical studies. The inhibitor of funny current (I (f)), a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel current, ivabradine is a new agent, and more reducing heart rate devoid of other cardiovascular effects, which has come into the market in Europe for more than 3 years. It has been approved that pure heart rate reduction by ivabradine can improve myocardial ischemia, endothelial function and myocardial contractile function. Long-term administration will not increase all-cause mortality. therapeutic value in stable coronary artery disease has been verified in clinical practice, while in other fields of cardiovascular diseases still needs more evidence-based medical research. This article is a review about its recent research advances in experimental and clinical studies.