Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that were placebo-controlled, of a non-crossover design, with at least 100 participants enrolled and a follow-up of a minimum of 6 months, were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
The inclusion criteria specified comparisons of any beta-blocker with placebo. The included interventions were timolol, oxprenolol, propranolol, sotalol, metoprolol, atenolol, pindodol, acebutamol, carvedil and bucindolol, compared with placebo. The follow-up time of the studies was 6 to 59 months. Dosages were not reported.
Participants included in the review
The authors do not state the inclusion criteria. The included studies involved male and female participants with a mean age of between 45 and 76 years, who were taking beta-blockers and had a diagnosis of myocardial infarction, hypertension or congestive heart failure.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The outcomes to be assessed were the frequency of depressive symptoms, fatigue or sexual dysfunction. The withdrawal of medication for depressive symptoms, fatigue or sexual dysfunction was also assessed.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the reviewers performed the selection.