Moxonidine for arterial hypertension treatment in menopausal women with metabolic syndrome

Aim. To investigate clinical effectiveness of imidazoline receptor agonist, moxonidine, in arterial hypertension (AH) treatment among women with menopausal metabolic syndrome (MMS). Material and methods. In total, 38 women (mean age 51,4 0,3 years) with MMS received moxonidine (0,2-0,6 mg/d, according to antihypertensive elect) for 6 months. Detailed examination included: 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (BPM), electrocardiography (ECG), microcirculation and endothelial function, vasoactive hormone levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA IR) assessment. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism parameters were also analyzed. None of the participants received hormone replacement therapy. Results. Moxonidine therapy was associated with decreased mean systolic and diastolic BP levels (p < 0,01). Circadian BP profiles improved, and BP variability reduced (p < 0,05), as well as morning BP surge (p < 0,01). Six-month moxonidine treatment resulted in microcirculation improvement. Positive dynamics of endothelium-dependent brachial artery vasodilatation in reactive hyperemia test was observed (p < 0,05). Moxonidine therapy was also associated with insulin resistance decrease (p < 0,05), and body mass index reduction by 6 months. Conclusion. Moxonidine can be recommended as a basal antihypertensive medication in MMS patients.