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Efficacy of Medical Therapy in Women and Men With Angina and Myocardial Bridging

Efficacy of Medical Therapy in Women and Men With Angina and Myocardial Bridging

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04130438
Enrollment
5
Registered
2019-10-17
Start date
2020-10-15
Completion date
2024-10-17
Last updated
2025-02-25

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Myocardial Bridging

Brief summary

The proposed clinical trial is relevant to public health because it is expected to expand the differential diagnosis and provide an evidence--based therapy for the large population of patients with angina in the absence of obstructive CAD who currently remain undiagnosed and untreated. It, therefore, upholds an important part of the mission of the The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which is to promote the treatment of heart disease and enhance the health of all individuals so that they can live longer and more fulfilling lives.

Detailed description

Angina in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) affects millions, resulting in a reduced quality of life and a burden on the health care system. Previous work has focused on endothelial and microvascular dysfunction as causes of angina in these patients, but even when these etiologies are tested for, nearly half of patients remain undiagnosed, and proven therapies are lacking. The long--term goal of this research proposal is to improve the lives of patients with angina in the absence of obstructive CAD. These patients have been found to have a disproportionate prevalence of myocardial bridges (MBs) (60% vs. 30% in the general population). MBs are known to cause angina, and the mechanism by which they do so is also known, but MBs have not been actively studied in the context of patients with angina in the absence of obstructive CAD. Medical therapies for symptomatic MBs, including beta blockers and calcium channel blocker have been suggested, but have never been appropriately tested, and may not be better than placebo. The overall objective of this research proposal is to demonstrate that MBs are an important and treatable cause of angina in patients with non--obstructive CAD. The investigator will conduct the first--ever randomized, double--blind, placebo--controlled trial of medical therapy in patients with angina and an MB. The rationale is that a proven treatment would significantly expand the paradigm by which patients with angina in the absence of obstructive CAD are evaluated and treated. Our central hypothesis is that beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are effective treatments for reducing angina in patients with an MB compared with placebo. Guided by strong preliminary data, this hypothesis will be tested by pursuing two specific aims: 1) Determine the efficacy of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers in treating patients with angina and an MB and 2) Identify predictors of efficacy of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers in treating patients with angina and an MB. For Aim #1, the investigator will randomize a total of 360 adult patients with angina and an MB into one of three treatment arms: beta blocker (nebivolol), calcium channel blocker (diltiazem), or placebo (1:1:1). Efficacy will be determined after 30 days on the study drug by a change in angina, as assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). The investigator will also evaluate changes in exercise capacity, as well as drug adherence and side effects. For Aim #2, the investigator will evaluate MB muscle index (MMI, a product of MB length x depth) by coronary computed tomography angiography, as well as male sex, as predictors of efficacy. Randomization will be stratified on sex, ensuring a balance of women and men in each arm. The proposed research is innovative because it shifts the current clinical perspective on angina in the absence of obstructive CAD by considering myocardial bridging as a potential etiology. It is also significant because it will substantially increase the number of patients with angina in the absence of obstructive CAD that clinicians are able to diagnose and treat, ultimately leading to improvements in quality of life and a reduction in health care costs.

Interventions

DRUGNebivolol

The intervention to be tested is oral beta blocker (nebivolol 2.5 mg) vs. calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem-SR 120 mg) vs. placebo. Once enrolled, baseline data will be gathered and subjects will be randomly assigned to a treatment arm. Subjects will be instructed to take their assigned study drug once a day for 30 days.

DRUGDiltiazem

The intervention to be tested is oral beta blocker (nebivolol 2.5 mg) vs. calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem-SR 120 mg) vs. placebo. Once enrolled, baseline data will be gathered and subjects will be randomly assigned to a treatment arm. Subjects will be instructed to take their assigned study drug once a day for 30 days.

OTHERPlacebo

The intervention to be tested is oral beta blocker (nebivolol 2.5 mg) vs. calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem-SR 120 mg) vs. placebo. Once enrolled, baseline data will be gathered and subjects will be randomly assigned to a treatment arm. Subjects will be instructed to take their assigned study drug once a day for 30 days.

Sponsors

Stanford University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Age ≥18 years 2. Stable angina (typical or atypical, based on Diamond criteria (35)) 3. Exercise stress echocardiogram or exercise stress test (with beta blocker or calcium channel blocker held) performed within six months of enrollment 4. CCTA or invasive coronary angiogram confirming the presence of an MB 5. Absence of obstructive CAD, as demonstrated by no ischemia on stress testing and no significant obstructive CAD (coronary stenosis \<50%) on CCTA or invasive coronary angiogram

Exclusion criteria

1. Asymptomatic 2. Status--post heart transplant 3. Presence of another likely explanation of chest pain, such as pulmonary hypertension, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or aortic stenosis 4. Presence of an acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina, NSTEMI, or STEMI), Tako--tsubo, or cardiogenic shock 5. An abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (EF\<55%) 6. History of a severe adverse reaction to beta blockers or calcium channel blockers (prior minor intolerance or ineffectiveness not exclusion) 7. Use of existing medication that has an unsafe drug--drug interaction with beta blockers or calcium channel blockers 8. Refusal to take beta blockers or calcium channel blockers 9. Resting systolic blood pressure \<100 mmHg or heart rate \<50 beats per minute 10. Inability to provide an informed consent, including an inability to speak, read, or understand English or Spanish 11. A hearing impairment that won't allow for a typical verbal conversation or a visual impairment that won't allow for reading of the written consent 12. A potentially vulnerable subject (including pregnant women, prisoners, economically and educationally disadvantaged, decisionally impaired, and institutionalized individuals)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)baseline and 30 daysEffectiveness of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers for reducing angina in patients with a Myocardial Bridge (MB) compared to placebo determined after 30 days on the study drug by a change in angina, as assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). The SAQ assesses 5 domains: physical limitation, angina stability angina frequency, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life. Each domain score is normalized to a range of 0 to 100, with higher scores corresponding to better outcomes.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Duke Treadmill Scorebaseline, 30 daysThe Duke treadmill score is calculated as exercise time × (5 × ST-segment deviation) - (4 × exercise angina), with 0 = no angina, 1 = non-limiting angina, and 2 = exercise-limiting angina. Possible scores range from -25 (highest risk) to +15 (lowest risk).
Number of Participants With Cardiac Events30 days, 6 monthsMajor adverse cardiovascular events include death, heart attack, coronary stent or bypass surgery, and stroke.
Duke Treadmill Score by Risk Categorybaseline, 30 daysChanges in exercise capacity will be measured by difference in exercise time increment between the groups. The Duke treadmill score is calculated as exercise time × (5 × ST-segment deviation) - (4 × exercise angina), with 0 = no angina, 1 = non-limiting angina, and 2 = exercise-limiting angina. Possible scores range from -25 (highest risk) to +15 (lowest risk). Scores are reported by the number of participants in each risk category: low risk (≥+5), moderate risk (-10 to +4) and high risk (≤-11) (Shaw, et al, 1998).
Number of Participants With Side Effects30 daysPatient self-reported side effects recorded in a diary to be turned in at 30 days. In addition, patients are requested to contact us regarding any serious side effects during the study. Finally, patients are asked about any side effects they experienced during their 30-day follow-up to ensure that symptoms are captured.
Treatment Course6 monthsNumber of participants who stayed on the study drug at the initial dose, stayed on the study drug at a different dose, switched to an alternate therapy, and/or underwent further cardiac testing.
Drug Adherence.30 daysPercentage of drug taken by participants, measured by pill count at the end of 30 days.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)
Participants receive oral beta blocker (nebivolol 2.5 mg) once a day for 30 days.
2
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)
Participants receive oral calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem-SR 120 mg) once a day for 30 days.
1
Placebo
Participants receive placebo once a day for 30 days.
2
Total5

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001FG002
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up001

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicBeta Blocker (Nebivolol)Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)PlaceboTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
2 Participants1 Participants2 Participants5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants4 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants2 Participants2 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
1 Participants0 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
2 Participants1 Participants2 Participants5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
2 Participants0 Participants1 Participants3 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 20 / 10 / 2
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 20 / 10 / 2
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 20 / 10 / 2

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)

Effectiveness of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers for reducing angina in patients with a Myocardial Bridge (MB) compared to placebo determined after 30 days on the study drug by a change in angina, as assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). The SAQ assesses 5 domains: physical limitation, angina stability angina frequency, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life. Each domain score is normalized to a range of 0 to 100, with higher scores corresponding to better outcomes.

Time frame: baseline and 30 days

Population: Participants with data at the respective time point

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Physical limitation - baseline44.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.4
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Physical limitation - 30 days53.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.5
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina stability - baseline40 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina stability - 30 days50 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 30
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina frequency - baseline70 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina frequency - 30 days80 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Treatment satisfaction - baseline67.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.9
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Treatment satisfaction - 30 days64.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.8
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Quality of life - baseline41.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 25
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Quality of life - 30 days54.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.9
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Quality of life - baseline41.7 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Physical limitation - baseline62.2 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina frequency - 30 days80 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina frequency - baseline60 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Physical limitation - 30 days68.0 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Quality of life - 30 days58.3 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Treatment satisfaction - 30 days94.1 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina stability - baseline40 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Treatment satisfaction - baseline100 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Change in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina stability - 30 days60 score on a scale
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Treatment satisfaction - 30 days29.4 score on a scale
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina stability - 30 days20 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina frequency - baseline75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 25
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina frequency - 30 days30 score on a scale
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Quality of life - baseline37.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.9
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Treatment satisfaction - baseline76.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.85
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Physical limitation - baseline53.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.6
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Quality of life - 30 days25 score on a scale
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Physical limitation - 30 days17.8 score on a scale
PlaceboChange in Angina Score Assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)Angina stability - baseline80 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20
Secondary

Drug Adherence.

Percentage of drug taken by participants, measured by pill count at the end of 30 days.

Time frame: 30 days

Population: Participants with data through 30 days

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Drug Adherence.99.5 percentage of drug takenStandard Deviation 0.5
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Drug Adherence.100 percentage of drug taken
PlaceboDrug Adherence.100 percentage of drug taken
Secondary

Duke Treadmill Score

The Duke treadmill score is calculated as exercise time × (5 × ST-segment deviation) - (4 × exercise angina), with 0 = no angina, 1 = non-limiting angina, and 2 = exercise-limiting angina. Possible scores range from -25 (highest risk) to +15 (lowest risk).

Time frame: baseline, 30 days

Population: Participants with data at the respective time point

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill ScoreBaseline2.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.35
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill Score30 days2 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill ScoreBaseline3.0 score on a scale
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill Score30 days10 score on a scale
PlaceboDuke Treadmill ScoreBaseline1.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.95
PlaceboDuke Treadmill Score30 days-11 score on a scale
Secondary

Duke Treadmill Score by Risk Category

Changes in exercise capacity will be measured by difference in exercise time increment between the groups. The Duke treadmill score is calculated as exercise time × (5 × ST-segment deviation) - (4 × exercise angina), with 0 = no angina, 1 = non-limiting angina, and 2 = exercise-limiting angina. Possible scores range from -25 (highest risk) to +15 (lowest risk). Scores are reported by the number of participants in each risk category: low risk (≥+5), moderate risk (-10 to +4) and high risk (≤-11) (Shaw, et al, 1998).

Time frame: baseline, 30 days

Population: Participants with data at the respective time point

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryLow risk - baseline0 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryModerate risk - baseline2 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryHigh risk - baseline0 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryLow risk - 30 days0 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryModerate risk - 30 days1 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryHigh risk - 30 days0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryHigh risk - 30 days0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryLow risk - baseline0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryLow risk - 30 days1 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryModerate risk - 30 days0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryModerate risk - baseline1 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Duke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryHigh risk - baseline0 Participants
PlaceboDuke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryModerate risk - baseline2 Participants
PlaceboDuke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryHigh risk - baseline0 Participants
PlaceboDuke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryHigh risk - 30 days1 Participants
PlaceboDuke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryLow risk - 30 days0 Participants
PlaceboDuke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryLow risk - baseline0 Participants
PlaceboDuke Treadmill Score by Risk CategoryModerate risk - 30 days0 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Cardiac Events

Major adverse cardiovascular events include death, heart attack, coronary stent or bypass surgery, and stroke.

Time frame: 30 days, 6 months

Population: Participants with data at the respective time point

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Number of Participants With Cardiac Events30 days0 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Number of Participants With Cardiac Events6 months0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Number of Participants With Cardiac Events30 days0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Number of Participants With Cardiac Events6 months0 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Cardiac Events30 days0 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Cardiac Events6 months0 Participants
Secondary

Number of Participants With Side Effects

Patient self-reported side effects recorded in a diary to be turned in at 30 days. In addition, patients are requested to contact us regarding any serious side effects during the study. Finally, patients are asked about any side effects they experienced during their 30-day follow-up to ensure that symptoms are captured.

Time frame: 30 days

Population: Participants with data at 30 days

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Number of Participants With Side Effects0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Number of Participants With Side Effects0 Participants
PlaceboNumber of Participants With Side Effects0 Participants
Secondary

Treatment Course

Number of participants who stayed on the study drug at the initial dose, stayed on the study drug at a different dose, switched to an alternate therapy, and/or underwent further cardiac testing.

Time frame: 6 months

Population: Participants with data at 6 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Treatment CourseStayed on study drug at the initial dose2 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Treatment CourseStayed on study drug at a different dose0 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Treatment CourseSwitched to alternate therapy0 Participants
Beta Blocker (Nebivolol)Treatment CourseUnderwent further cardiac testing0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Treatment CourseUnderwent further cardiac testing0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Treatment CourseStayed on study drug at the initial dose0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Treatment CourseSwitched to alternate therapy0 Participants
Calcium Channel Blocker (Diltiazem)Treatment CourseStayed on study drug at a different dose1 Participants
PlaceboTreatment CourseUnderwent further cardiac testing0 Participants
PlaceboTreatment CourseStayed on study drug at a different dose0 Participants
PlaceboTreatment CourseSwitched to alternate therapy1 Participants
PlaceboTreatment CourseStayed on study drug at the initial dose0 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026