Treatment for Stable Angina (Heart Disease)

Stable angina, is the medical term for chest discomfort, pain, or other symptoms due to heart disease. There are two groups of medication that have been widely prescribed for years to treat stable angina:

• Beta-Blockers (BB): Examples include, metoprolol, atenolol

• Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB): Examples include, amlodipine, diltiazem

They are well-studied in the general population, but we need to learn more.

About LIVEBETTER

The purpose of the LIVEBETTER study is to find out which group of heart medications (BB or CCB) have better outcomes in older adults with stable angina. This includes looking at things that older adults think are important, such as quality of life, function, and day-to-day activities. We will do this by randomizing people in the study to one of the two medication groups and following them for one year.

Why do research?

Doctors can use information learned from research to provide better care and to recommend treatments.

Why do THIS research?

Research studies have shown that medications, like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, can be used to treat stable angina. However, many of these studies did not include older adults or study the outcomes that are important to older adults. We are doing both in the LIVEBETTER trial.

What is randomization?

Randomization uses chance, like the flip of a coin, to assign people to a group. In research, this helps get rid of bias (assumptions). People in LIVEBETTER have an equal chance of being in either the BB or CCB heart medication group.

Shouldn’t I let my doctor decide?

There is no research evidence from studies that show that BB or CCB medications are better in older adults with multiple health problems. We are working closely with your cardiologist and will talk to them before enrolling you in the trial. If your cardiologist wants to prescribe a specific heart medication, you will not be in the LIVEBETTER study since this is a randomized study.

Once you are assigned to the BB or CCB medication group, your cardiologist will pick the specific BB or CCB medication. There are many to choose from. He or she will also recommend the dose and how often you should take it.

Where can I learn more?

More information on this clinical trial is also available on www.clinicaltrials.gov.  When the LIVEBETTER study is completed, a summary of the study results will also be posted to this website.

If you want to learn more or have questions, a person from the research team can talk to you.