Medically reviewed by Alex Yampolsky, PharmD Many medications are available to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Atenolol blocks beta-1 receptors, which are present on the heart. This medication is a beta-blocker, prescribed for high blood pressure and to prevent heart pain and recurrence of heart attacks.

Beta-blockers antagonize beta-1 and beta-2 receptors which are the usual targets of the sympathetic nervous system, including epinephrine and norepinephrine. This results in a decreased heart rate ...