Discontinuing Beta-Blockers for Ischemic Heart Disease
(ABBREVIATE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Patients with heart disease are often prescribed many medications and these patients may experience drug interactions or negative drug related side effects. With newer medications and treatments available, it is not well known whether older drugs, such as beta-blockers, are still an effective and safe option for treating heart disease. Some evidence suggests beta-blockers should be continued, whereas other evidence suggests beta-blockers might cause unnecessary harm. The study hopes to determine whether continuation or discontinuation of beta-blockers will affect long term cardiovascular outcomes. The study investigators will also examine how beta-blockers continuation or discontinuation affects several quality of life measures.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial focuses on whether to continue or stop taking beta-blockers for heart disease. If you are currently on beta-blockers, the study may require you to stop taking them, but it doesn't specify about other medications.
Is it safe to discontinue beta-blockers for ischemic heart disease?
How do beta-blockers differ from other drugs for ischemic heart disease?
Beta-blockers, like atenolol and bisoprolol, are unique because they reduce heart rate and blood pressure, which helps the heart work less hard. They are particularly effective after a heart attack and in managing heart failure, offering a protective effect that other treatments may not provide.14567
What data supports the effectiveness of beta-blockers for ischemic heart disease?
Research shows that beta-blockers like atenolol and bopindolol can reduce the incidence of angina (chest pain due to heart disease) and lower heart rate, which may help manage symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Additionally, beta-blockers such as carvedilol, metoprolol, and bisoprolol have been shown to improve survival and symptoms in heart failure, suggesting potential benefits for heart-related conditions.4891011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sean van Diepen, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Alberta
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 21 with stable heart disease, documented by tests or past treatments like stents or bypass surgery. They must have had no recent heart attacks and not be hospitalized for heart failure. People can't join if they need beta-blockers for other conditions, have severe heart function issues, uncontrolled blood pressure or chest pain, are non-compliant with meds, have a short life expectancy, or are in another related drug trial.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized to either continue or discontinue β-blocker therapy, with discontinuation involving a tapering process over 3-7 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored remotely for adherence, events, outcomes assessments, and quality of life over approximately four years
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Heart failure
- Myocardial infarction
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Heart failure
- Myocardial infarction
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Heart failure
- Myocardial infarction
- Arrhythmias
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alberta
Lead Sponsor