Effect of beta-blockers on exercise capacity in atrial fibrillation patients

The Effect of Beta-blocker on Chronotropic Response and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: a Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT05332457

This study tests how lowering the dose of beta-blockers affects exercise ability and heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation who have been stable on their medication for at least three months.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT05332457 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective study evaluates how reducing the dosage of beta-blockers affects exercise capacity and heart rate response in patients with atrial fibrillation. It focuses on clinically stable patients who have been on a consistent beta-blocker regimen for at least three months. The study aims to measure changes in hemodynamic parameters and peak oxygen uptake during cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and after the dosage reduction. The goal is to determine the optimal resting heart rate for patients with atrial fibrillation receiving rate control therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are clinically stable adults over 20 years old with persistent atrial fibrillation who have been on a stable beta-blocker dosage.

Not a fit: Patients using beta-blockers for reasons other than rate control or those unable to perform exercise testing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help optimize beta-blocker therapy, improving exercise capacity and overall quality of life for patients with atrial fibrillation.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored beta-blocker effects in atrial fibrillation, but this specific approach of dosage reduction and its impact on exercise capacity is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. \> 20 years of age.
2. Clinically stable patients with persistent atrial fibrillation using beta-blocker as rate-control agent without dosage adjustment for at least 3 months.
3. Resting heart rate \< 80 bpm.
4. Left ventricular ejection fraction \> 50%.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Beta-blocker usage due to indications other than rate control for atrial fibrillation.
2. Inability to perform a cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
3. Presence of contraindications for cardiopulmonary exercise testing according to the American College of Sports Medicine's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.
4. Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator or pacemaker.
5. Pregnancy.
6. Inability to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

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 Atrial FibrillationBeta-blockerChronotropic responseCardiorespiratory fitness
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.