Arterial hypertension is by far the biggest risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Thiocyanates, barbiturates, bromides and bismuth were tested in the treatment of arterial hypertension in the early 1940s. The use of these drugs was discontinued because they were proven ineffective and had several side effects. In the mid-1950s, ganglion blockers such as hexamethonium, pentolinium, mecamylamine and peripherally acting sympatholytic substances (guanethidine) were tested as treatment of arterial hypertension and were shown effective in reducing blood pressure, but little tolerated. […]