[Imidazole receptor agonists--a new advance in the treatment of hypertension?]

Agonists of I1 imidazolin receptors are a new drug groups which was registered for the treatment of hypertension. Their antihypertensive action is comparable with current antihypertensives (hydrochlorothiazide, enalapril, atenolol, nifedipine retard) and causes a drop of the systolic BP by cca 15-20 mm Hg and a drop of the diastolic BP by 10-15 mm Hg with a probable normalization of the blood pressure in cca 60% patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Agonists of I1 imidazoline receptors are suitable in particular for the treatment of hypertension associated with metabolic syndrome. Their effect in patients with ischaemic heart disease or after a cerebrovascular attack is not known and despite very promising theoretical prerequisites they are not indicated in patients with chronic heart failure.