Comparing diltiazem and bisoprolol for heart rate control in atrial fibrillation
Compares diltiazem with bisoprolol in adults with atrial fibrillation.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: A Comparison of Beta-blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers in Atrial Fibrillation
Key facts
- Where
- Basel, SwitzerlandSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 4
Where in Switzerland
- University Hospital BaselBasel, SwitzerlandNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
- Trial code
- NCT07904507
- Record updated
- 29 October 2026
- Original description
Beta-blockers are generally prescribed for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Their purpose is to slow the heart rate and thereby reduce the workload on the heart. However, beta-blockers can affect patients' quality of life, for example by reducing physical performance or causing fatigue in daily life.Read full original descriptionShow less
BRACE-AFib: Beta-blocker Replacement and Calcium Channel Blockers Evaluation in Atrial Fibrillation
Beta-blockers are generally prescribed for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Their purpose is to slow the heart rate and thereby reduce the workload on the heart. However, beta-blockers can affect patients' quality of life, for example by reducing physical performance or causing fatigue in daily life.
In this study, we aim to determine whether calcium channel blockers can improve the treatment of atrial fibrillation and have a positive impact on the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation compared with beta-blockers. We will also investigate how calcium channel blockers affect the physical exercise capacity. In addition, we will monitor potential side effects of both medications and explore whether there are any differences between women and men over the course of the study.
Both study medications, the calcium channel blocker diltiazem and the beta-blocker bisoprolol, are approved by authorities and are recommended by the European Society of Cardiology for rate control in atrial fibrillation.
Inclusion: Documented AF; Currently on a stable regimen of BB for at least three weeks; Informed consent as documented by signature.
Exclusion: Currently on a NDCC (Diltiazem or Verapamil); Concomitant rhythm-controlling medication (antiarrhythmic drugs Vaughan Williams classification I and III); Currently on Ivabradine, Digoxin, Clonidine, Pimozide, Dihydroergotamine, Nifedipine, Lomitapide; Previous pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) or electric cardioversion within 90 days prior to study enrolment; Drug or alcohol abuse; Severe valvular heart disease; Uncontrolled hypertension defined as systolic BP > 180 mmHg; Severe bradycardia, defined as a resting heart rate <40 bpm on ECG; History of atrio-ventricular node ablation; Established infiltrative myocardial disease, e.g. amyloidosis, constrictive pericarditis, myocarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%; End-stage renal disease, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <15 ml/min/1.73 m2; AV block Type II, AV block type III; Implanted pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with a right-ventricular pacing burden >40%; Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women of childbearing potential who do not use a highly effective form of birth control; Expected life expectancy < 6months; Inability to understand and sign study information and patient informed consent; Both women and men will be enrolled, and sex-specific differences in treatment effects will be examined in a subgroup analysis. No vulnerable populations will be included. All participants are capable of judgment.