Comparison 2. First‐line beta‐blocker vs placebo.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Total mortality	5	19313	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.96 [0.86, 1.07]
2 Total stroke	5	19313	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.83 [0.72, 0.97]
3 Total coronary heart disease	5	19313	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.90 [0.78, 1.03]
4 Total cardiovascular events	5	19313	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.89 [0.81, 0.98]
5 Withdrawal due to adverse effects	4	18565	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	4.59 [4.11, 5.13]
6 Systolic blood pressure	5	18833	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 99% CI)	‐9.51 [‐10.16, ‐8.85]
7 Diastolic blood pressure	5	18833	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 99% CI)	‐5.64 [‐6.06, ‐5.22]