Atenolol for preventing stroke recurrence

Atenolol may not reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from vascular disease after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Summary

A Cochrane review 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).

Clinical comments

Only studies evaluating atenolol were found for this review. The efficacy of other beta blockers is unknown.

Date of latest search:

Ədəbiyyat

1. De Lima LG, Saconato H, Atallah AN et al. Beta-blockers for preventing stroke recurrence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014;10():CD007890. .