A patient indicates that he takes methyldopa (Aldomet). What condition is he most likely being treated for?

Methyldopa is primarily used as an antihypertensive medication, making it most likely that the patient is being treated for hypertension. Methyldopa acts centrally by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, leading to reduced sympathetic outflow and resulting in decreased peripheral vascular resistance, heart rate, and blood pressure.

While angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and heart failure may involve hypertension as a risk factor, they are not primarily treated with methyldopa. Instead, other classes of medications would be more appropriate for those specific conditions. Therefore, the strong association of methyldopa with the treatment of hypertension supports its designation as the most likely condition the patient is being treated for.