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

NCT ID NCT00959972

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada

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