Background and Significance

Stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) is a leading contributor to morbidity, mortality and disability among older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Both beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers have broadly established efficacy for the treatment of angina and widespread use across the aging continuum, but their effectiveness and tolerability in older adults with multiple chronic conditions for the outcomes that matter most to this population are unknown. Thus, the optimal first-line anti-anginal strategy for this unique population is uncertain.

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.

Study Description

To address the question of the optimal first-line anti-anginal treatment in older adults with stable angina and multiple chronic conditions, we propose a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the guideline-recommended medical anti-anginal therapies, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. The study design is summarized in the Table below.