Comparing medications for older adults with stable angina and multiple chronic conditions

A Trial Comparing the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Medications in Older Adults With Stable Angina and Multiple Chronic Conditions: LIVEBETTER

Phase 4 Interventional Yale University · NCT05786417

This study is testing whether standard heart medications, like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, can help older adults with stable angina and other health issues feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment741 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations10 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05786417 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness and tolerability of standard anti-anginal treatments, specifically beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, in older adults suffering from symptomatic Stable Ischemic Heart Disease (SIHD) and multiple chronic conditions. It is a single-blind, randomized trial that aims to improve symptoms, function, and quality of life over a 12-month period through four study visits that include interviews, a six-minute walk test, and medical record reviews. The study will also assess the safety and long-term effectiveness of these medications, providing valuable data to inform clinical practice and guidelines.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 70 and above, or 65 and above for underrepresented minorities, with symptomatic Stable Ischemic Heart Disease and at least two chronic conditions.

Not a fit: Patients currently taking beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, or those with contraindications to these medications, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options and quality of life for older adults with stable angina and multiple chronic conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in comparing anti-anginal medications, but this trial aims to fill specific gaps in evidence for older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

OLDER ADULTS WITH SIHD AND MCC

* Age ≥65 years
* ≥ 2 Multiple Chronic Conditions as defined by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
* Diagnosis of Symptomatic Stable Ischemic Heart Disease with plans to initiate medical therapy identified by at least one of the following:

  1. positive non-invasive functional or anatomic testing suggestive of obstructive coronary artery disease
  2. coronary angiography with stenosis ≥70% in a coronary artery ≥2 mm in diameter or

     ≥50% stenosis of left main
  3. Invasive coronary angiography with positive physiologic testing in at least one vessel (FFR ≤ 0.80 or iFR ≤0.89)

CAREGIVERS

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Identified as caregiver of LIVEBETTER participant

Exclusion Criteria:

OLDER ADULTS WITH SIHD AND MCC

* Current taking (both) a beta-blocker AND a calcium channel blocker\*
* Contraindication to beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers including:

  1. significant hypotension
  2. high grade AV block
  3. severe symptomatic bradycardia
  4. severe obstructive lung disease
* Documented intolerance to beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers
* Probable or definite high-risk coronary artery disease including unrevascularized left main disease and/or unrevascularized multi-vessel disease including the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery with plans for immediate complete revascularization
* Plans for complete revascularization within 2 weeks
* Clear clinical indication for beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers that precludes dose adjustment or crossover:

  1. Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with reduced ejection fraction within past year
  2. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) within past year
* Actively participating in another clinical trial involving an investigational medication or device
* Primary language other than English or Spanish
* Inability to complete follow-up (e.g. life expectancy \<12 months, impaired decision-making determined by validated instrument)
* Previously enrolled in LIVEBETTER
* Refused informed consent

CAREGIVERS

* Professional caregiver (i.e. not a relative or close friend of the participant)
* Primary language other than English or Spanish
* Inability to complete follow-up
* Previously enrolled in LIVEBETTER
* Refused informed consent

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut and 9 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnginaStable Ischemic Heart Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.