Improved exercise performance of hypertensive patients treated with guanfacine (Estulic Sandoz)

Guanfacine (trade name Estulic Sandoz), has turned out to be a very effective antihypertensive drug. During follow-up of 20 men with a hypertensive response to exercise, and with blood pressure values reaching or exceeding 230/120 mmHg, administration of 1-2 mg of the drug daily led to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. At the same time, patients' performance during exercise increased considerably, from 705 W prior to guanfacine administration, to 1.128 W after three-week therapy. Of the biochemical parameters monitored, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids. There was an insignificant decrease in glycaemia.