AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

The effect of beta-blockers on how you feel and recover after a heart attack when your heart is still pumping well

This research is investigating how a type of medicine, called beta-blockers, impacts people who have had a heart attack but whose heart is still pumping strongly. Specifically, we want to understand how these medicines affect your overall physical and mental wellbeing during your recovery. The study will compare patients who take beta-blockers with those who don't, looking at changes in how they feel three months after starting heart rehabilitation. This helps us learn more about how to best support people after a heart attack to help them live full and active lives.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

UZ Leuven

Enrolment target

160

Start

18 May 2026

Myocardial infarction with preserved ejection fraction

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into a common type of heart medicine called beta-blockers. These medicines are often given to people after a heart attack. Our aim is to understand how these beta-blockers affect your recovery, particularly if your heart is still pumping well despite having had a heart attack. We want to know if taking these medicines helps people feel better, both physically and mentally, as they go through their heart rehabilitation.

To do this, we'll be comparing two groups of people: those who are taking beta-blockers and those who are not. We'll be asking questions about how you feel, both physically and emotionally, after three months of heart rehabilitation. This will help us see if there are any differences between the groups. We'll also look at things like your fitness levels and how much exercise you can do.

The findings from this study could be very important. They could help doctors and nurses better understand the benefits of beta-blockers for people recovering after a heart attack, especially their impact on day-to-day life and overall wellbeing. This would allow for more personalised care, making sure patients get the most suitable treatment to help them get back to living their lives to the fullest.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates how beta-blockers affect recovery after a heart attack.
It focuses on patients whose hearts are still pumping well.
Researchers will compare physical and mental wellbeing in those taking beta-blockers versus those not.
Participation involves questionnaires and possibly fitness tests over three months.
The goal is to improve understanding of post-heart attack care and quality of life.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 years or older, who has recently had a heart attack. Both men and women are welcome to take part.

The study is specifically for people where their heart is still pumping well, even after the heart attack. This is something your doctor will be able to check for you.

There might be other detailed health requirements that your doctor will discuss with you to make sure this study is right for you and safe to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently had a heart attack?
Has your doctor told you your heart is still pumping well?
Are you able to participate in a three-month heart rehabilitation program?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be asked to attend your regular heart rehabilitation programme. We would then collect information about how you are feeling, both physically and mentally, at the beginning of the study and again after three months of rehabilitation. This would involve filling out some questionnaires. You might also have some simple fitness tests to check your exercise capacity. The overall duration of your participation in this study would be around three months, aligning with your heart rehabilitation.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in research like this can help us learn more about how medicines affect people, which could benefit future patients. You might find it helpful to reflect on your own recovery, but there are no guaranteed personal benefits for you. For any study, there's always a chance of minor discomfort from assessments, or side effects from any medication, although this study focuses on medicines you might already be taking. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Belgium

Common questions

What are beta-blockers?

Beta-blockers are a type of medicine often used to treat heart conditions. They help to slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.

What is 'heart rehabilitation'?

Heart rehabilitation is a programme of exercise and education designed to help you recover after a heart attack, helping you get stronger and healthier.

Will I have to stop taking my current medicines?

No, this study looks at people who are already on or not on beta-blockers as part of their regular care. You won't be asked to change your prescribed medicines for the study.

What does 'heart pumping well' mean?

After a heart attack, doctors check how well your heart muscle is squeezing. 'Pumping well' means that, despite the heart attack, your heart is still working effectively.

How will my feelings be measured?

We will ask you to complete a questionnaire which has standard questions about your physical abilities and your emotional wellbeing.