A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 2 RCTs with a total of 2193 patients. They have had stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) less than 3 months before randomisation and were independent in most of their daily activities. In one trial, patienst with blood pressure less than 140/80 mmHg were excluded, this piece of information from another trial was not available. Both studies randomised participants to either beta-blocker (atenolol 50 mg daily) or placebo. No statistical differences were noted among the groups in risks of fatal and non-fatal stroke (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.17). For all other outcomes analysed (death from all causes, cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, major vascular events), there was no significant differences between the groups.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few trials).
Only studies evaluating atenolol were found for this review. The efficacy of other beta blockers is unknown.
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