Tenormin (atenolol) is a Beta Blocker

Medical Author: Melissa Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

The class of drugs called beta blockers were given their name because this class of medications counteracts the stimulatory effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on the so–called beta–adrenergic receptors found in many body tissues, including the nervous system and heart. Normal stimulation of the beta receptors leads to a faster heartbeat along with the constriction of blood vessels, resulting in an overall increase in blood pressure.

Beta blockers, therefore, counteract stimuli that lead to an elevated blood pressure, resulting in a slower pulse rate and a reduction in blood pressure. Both these effects reduce the workload of the heart, so beta blockers are of value in treating the symptoms of angina pectoris, the chest pain brought on by narrowing of the coronary arteries that causes inadequate delivery of oxygen–rich blood to the heart muscle. Beta blockers also are prescribed as treatments for high blood pressure and have been shown to improve survival when administered following a heart attack.

Read more on Tenormin (atenolol) and other Beta Blockers »