RESUMO
The paper covers current problems in the treatment of arterial hypertension. Renin is an important and promising therapeutic target. The direct renin inhibitor aliskiren (Rasilez) is a promising current effective antihypertensive agent that has cardio- and nephroprotective effects. The paper considers a number of clinical studies that have proven the antihypertensive effect of aliskiren and revealed its benefits versus other drugs recommended for blood pressure lowering. It is assumed that this agent may be used in combinations with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics, and calcium antagonists. Moreover, aliskiren neutralizes the effect of feedback in the compensatory increase in the activity of plasma renin.