Baseline characteristics
The baseline characteristics of the patients included in this
meta-analysis are reported in Table 1 . A total of 505 patients
(mean age 66 ± 9 years, 89% males) were analyzed. The mean duration of
follow-up was 24 ± 9 months. Previous revascularization with
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery
bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 80% of patients. Mean duration
since last MI was 10 ± 9 years. Mean LVEF was 35 ± 8%, and 84% of
patients were on beta-blockers. Table 2 illustrates a summary
of the included studies.