Heart patients get new hope: varenicline vs. nicotine patch in quitting smoking

NCT ID NCT00959972

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether varenicline (Chantix) helps smokers with coronary heart disease quit better than the standard nicotine patch. Fifty motivated smokers who had a heart-related event were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see who stayed smoke-free, confirmed by breath tests, during the final weeks of treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Varenicline (Chantix) and transdermal nicotine patch

What this could lead to

If varenicline works better than the patch, it could give heart patients a more effective way to quit smoking and reduce their risk of future heart problems.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The trial is already completed, and the findings may not lead to a change in standard care without larger studies.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiovascular disorder coronary artery disorder Coronary Disease Smoking Cessation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Ottawa Heart Institute

    Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada