Angiotensin IIVasopressor hormone
Angiotensin II is a natural regulator of blood vessels and fluid balance. A manufactured form has been studied as an intensive-care vasopressor when dangerously low blood pressure persists despite other treatment.
What is Angiotensin II?
Angiotensin II is a natural hormone that regulates blood vessels and fluid balance. A manufactured form is used in the intensive-care treatment of vasodilatory shock.
How it works
It activates the renin–angiotensin pathway to constrict blood vessels and raise pressure when vascular relaxation is contributing to shock.
Effects studied
Blood-pressure response in shock
ATHOS-3 studied critically ill people already receiving substantial vasopressor support. Its early pressure endpoint concerns haemodynamic response, not proof of improved survival or kidney recovery. 2
Evidence: Randomised vasodilatory-shock trial
What does the evidence show?
Randomised vasodilatory-shock trial
Why blood pressure falls in shock
In vasodilatory shock, blood vessels remain too relaxed to maintain adequate circulation. Angiotensin II can constrict those vessels through the renin–angiotensin system. In intensive care, this is a tightly monitored attempt to restore pressure, not a general way to improve circulation or energy.
What the main study tested
The ATHOS-3 trial assessed angiotensin II in people with shock already receiving substantial vasopressor support. Its early blood-pressure endpoint helps show whether the drug can produce the intended haemodynamic response. That endpoint should remain distinct from outcomes such as survival or recovery of kidney function. 2
Why an additional pathway can matter
Different vasopressors act through different receptors. An additional option can change how much of another drug is needed. A lower drug requirement does not by itself show that patients fare better. The clinical team has to consider organ perfusion, the cause of shock and the response to all concurrent care.
Risks of constricting blood vessels
Excessive vasoconstriction can compromise blood supply to tissues, and thrombotic events are an important safety concern. These risks explain the specialist setting and monitoring. The relevant evidence belongs to critical illness; it offers no rationale for self-directed use in healthy people or ordinary low blood pressure. 1
Safety & status
Excessive vasoconstriction can compromise tissue blood supply. Thrombotic events are a significant concern, requiring closely monitored critical care. 1
Country and product status
Product indications and availability vary by country; current EU and Swiss status has not been independently checked for this draft.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a treatment for ordinary low blood pressure?
The evidence described here concerns life-threatening shock under intensive-care monitoring, not routine low blood pressure.
Does a higher blood pressure prove better survival?
No. Restoring pressure and improving survival are separate outcomes and must be assessed separately.
Sources
This entry was rewritten from our research archive. References below are reading leads unless a completed check is explicitly noted; a full independent evidence and regulatory review is still pending.
- Retained source reference Archive research lead · Retained archive reference; not independently checked for this draft
- Retained paper reference Archive research lead · Retained archive reference; not independently checked for this draft
Research provenance
This name was discovered in the Superpower peptide index, archived 26 October 2026. Its ratings and reviewer attribution have not been adopted as our own. The archive informed this original editorial draft; independent source review is still pending.