Comparative Effectiveness of Carvedilol Versus Metoprolol Succinate in Heart Failure Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · Apr 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called CARVTOP-ICD, is comparing two medications—carvedilol and metoprolol succinate—used to treat heart failure in patients who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) means that the heart isn't pumping well, which can increase the risk of sudden cardiac events. The trial aims to find out which of these two commonly used beta-blockers is more effective in managing heart failure and improving patients' health and quality of life.

To participate, patients need to be at least 18 years old, currently taking metoprolol succinate, and willing to switch to carvedilol. They should also have an ICD in place for heart failure and have a left ventricular ejection fraction (a measure of heart function) of less than 50% within the last year. Participants will be followed for up to three years and will have regular check-ins to monitor their heart health and how they feel overall. This study is important because it will help doctors understand which medication might work better for patients with heart failure and an ICD.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 18 years
• • ICD implanted for primary prevention for HFrEF (either ICM or NICM) with remote monitoring capability
• • Current treatment with metoprolol succinate and willing to switch to carvedilol
• • LVEF \<50% during the past 12 months prior to consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unwilling or unable to follow the protocol
• • Treatment with any other ßB than metoprolol succinate or no ßB treatment
• • Known prior intolerance or contraindication to carvedilol
• • Systolic blood pressure \<100 mmHg
• • Enrollment in another clinical trial
• • Inability or unwilling to consent