ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy of different rennin-angiotensin system blockers in prevention of stroke recurrence and reduction of major vascular events in patients with prior stroke.MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, CBM and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of ACEIs and ARBs for stroke secondary prevention from inception to November 1st, 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. Network meta-analysis was then performed by using Stata 15.1 software.ResultsA total of 6 RCTs involving 25 620 patients were included. The results of network meta-analysis showed that: in prevention of stroke recurrence, candesartan (RR=0.40, 95%CI 0.16 to 0.99) and valsartan (RR=0.22, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.76) were significantly lower than placebo; valsartan was lower than telmisartan (RR=0.24, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.81), ramipril (RR=0.26, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.93) and perindopril (RR=0.23, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.81). For reducing the major vascular events after stroke, candesartan (RR=0.39, 95%CI 0.21 to 0.74), valsartan (RR=0.27, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.64) and ramipril (RR=0.76, 95%CI 0.60 to 0.95) were significantly lower than placebo; valsartan was lower than telmisartan (RR=0.29, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.69), ramipril (RR=0.36, 95%CI 0.15 to 0.88) and perindopril (RR=0.28, 95%CI 0.12 to 0.68); candesartan was lower than telmisartan (RR=0.42, 95%CI 0.22 to 0.79) and perindopril (RR=0.41, 95%CI 0.21 to 0.79).ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that valsartan and candesartan can reduce the stroke recurrence and major vascular events after stroke. Ramipril can reduce the major vascular event in patients with prior stroke. Valsartan might be the best option in both outcomes. Due to limited quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.