REN and Hypertension: It, therefore, appears plausible to suggest that centrally acting sympatholytic agents such as moxonidine may be considered an equally effective and beneficial choice as inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome, perhaps a preferred choice when compared to calcium-channel blockers, and most likely preferable to beta-blockers and diuretics, if no other conditions warrant their use.