Baseline characteristics of patients before and after matching.

*/**Statistical significance of differences between groups was tested by the ML chi-square test for categorical variables and by the independent Student’s t-test for continuous variables*/**paParameter used in a logistic regression model of a propensity scorebParameter was not known for all patients, and statistics were computed on a reduced basiscMedication at discharge was computed on patients who were alive after dischargeLVEF—left ventricular ejection fraction, BP—blood pressure, MI—myocardial infarction, TIA—transient ischemic attack, PCI—percutaneous coronary intervention, CABG—coronary artery bypass graft, PM—pacemaker, ICD—implantable cardioverter–defibrillator, CRT—cardiac resynchronization therapy, COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ARB—angiotensin-2 receptor blockers.Baseline characteristics of patients before and after matching.