Modern ideas about the consequences of sympathoadrenal hyperactivation in hypertensive patients with metabolic disorders: modulation possibilities

Abstract

The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in the Russian Federation and the world continues to grow. This is largely due to the epidemic of obesity and related conditions — metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The most common and proven hypothesis of the relationship between hypertension and obesity is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. However, modern research shows that the consequences of sympathetic hyperactivation are not limited only to hemodynamic effects, but extend to many organs and systems. Long-term sympathetic hyperactivation can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Neurotransmitters affect fat cells by increasing lipolysis and leading to increased fatty acid release, the liver by increasing gluconeogenesis, and pancreatic β-cells by decreasing insulin secretion. The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in energy management by regulating metabolic rate. Obese individuals have significantly less pronounced postprandial thermogenesis, despite a higher insulin response, while the hemodynamic response to isometric or heterometric exercise is reduced. Chronic stress serves not only as a trigger for behavioral disorders, but also directly leads to various physiological disorders, including through sympathetic activation. However, the choice of antihypertensive agents affecting the sympathetic activity in patients with obesity and metabolic disorders is very limited. According to current guidelines, β-blockers are not the drugs of choice in patients with uncomplicated HTN, since it has a weaker evidence base compared to other classes of drugs and have metabolic and other side effects. Therefore, selective I1-imidazoline receptor agonists, and in particular, moxonidine may be the drugs of choice in this category of patients. Moxonidine in combination therapy of patients with HTN and metabolic disorders, including metabolic disorders in menopause, as well as with a physiological estrogen decrease, significantly improves the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy and increases the achievement of target blood pressure. In addition, its metabolic effects improve prognosis of such patients.