Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

Danish trial of beta blocker treatment after myocardial infarction without reduced ejection fraction (DANBLOCK)

The DANBLOCK study is investigating if beta-blocker medications are beneficial for patients who have experienced a heart attack, particularly those whose heart function (ejection fraction) is not significantly reduced. Researchers want to understand if taking these medicines can lower the chance of another heart attack, reduce serious heart-related events like needing further procedures, or prevent strokes and heart failure. They are also looking at how these medicines affect quality of life, mental well-being, and overall health outcomes. The study uses different types of beta-blockers that are already approved for use, and it's in a late stage of testing (Phase III) to confirm its findings.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Frederiksberg Hospital

Enrolment target

2,760

Start

22 Aug 2024

Myocardinal infarction

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had a heart attack, but your doctors tell you that your heart muscle is still working quite well and pumping blood effectively. This study, called DANBLOCK, is specifically looking at whether medicines known as 'beta-blockers' are helpful for people like you. Beta-blockers are common medications often given after a heart attack, but for those whose hearts are still pumping strongly, there's still more to learn about how much they truly help.

The main goal of DANBLOCK is to see if taking these beta-blockers can prevent serious problems in the future. This includes things like having another heart attack, needing more procedures to open blocked arteries, having a stroke, developing heart failure, or experiencing dangerous irregular heartbeats. The study will also look at how beta-blockers affect your everyday life, including your energy levels, mood, and sleep, and how they might impact other health conditions you may have.

By carefully studying a large number of people, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of who benefits most from beta-blockers after a heart attack and ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This means carefully comparing people who take these medicines with those who don't, to understand all the potential upsides and downsides.

Key takeaways

The DANBLOCK study explores if beta-blockers help after a heart attack if your heart function is still good.
It aims to prevent future heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Researchers are looking at common beta-blocker medications.
The study also examines the impact on quality of life and other health conditions.
Participation involves taking medication and attending regular health check-ups.
The study could help doctors give better care to heart attack patients in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be at least 18 years old. The study is open to both men and women.

In general terms, you might be suitable if you have recently had a heart attack, and your doctor has assessed that your heart is still pumping blood effectively, rather than being significantly weakened. The study team will check your full medical history to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you to participate.

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 that your heart is still pumping blood effectively?
Are you able to attend regular follow-up appointments?
Are you willing to take study medication as prescribed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the DANBLOCK study, you would be taking a beta-blocker medication, which would be one of the types already approved and commonly used. This would involve taking tablets as prescribed by the study doctors. You would have regular visits to your clinic or hospital for check-ups, where doctors would monitor your health, ask about any symptoms you have, and perform tests like blood pressure measurements and possibly blood tests or heart scans. These visits help the study team understand how you are responding to the medication and your overall health. The specific duration of your participation would be explained fully by the study team, but typically, studies like this involve follow-up over several months to a few years to see long-term effects.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in a study like this might offer the benefit of receiving close monitoring of your heart health and access to medication that may or may not reduce your risk of future heart problems. However, like all medications, beta-blockers can have side effects, which the study team will explain in detail. Potential risks could include known side effects of beta-blockers, or other health events that occur during the study. You will be closely monitored for your safety. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your 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
Denmark

Common questions

What is a beta-blocker?

Beta-blockers are medicines that help to slow your heart rate and relax your blood vessels, lowering your blood pressure and making your heart work less hard.

What does 'myocardial infarction without reduced ejection fraction' mean?

It means you've had a heart attack, but your heart muscle is still pumping blood quite well and strongly, rather than being significantly weakened.

Will I know if I'm getting the beta-blocker or not?

In some studies, it's 'blinded,' meaning neither you nor your doctor knows if you're getting the active medicine or another treatment, to ensure fair results. The study team will explain how this works in DANBLOCK.

What kind of tests will I have if I join?

You can expect regular check-ups, blood pressure readings, and possibly blood tests or heart scans to monitor your health and how the medication is affecting you.

Is this study safe?

All clinical trials are carefully reviewed for safety. You will be closely monitored by a medical team, and you can withdraw at any time.