Atenolol (Brand name Tenormin) is an antihypertensive prescription drug that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina pectoris), and to improve survival and recovery rates after a heart attack. Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. When left untreated, this condition can cause heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, blood vessel damage, increased risk of a stroke or heart attack, and more.
Atenolol is in a class of drugs known as beta-blockers. It is generally taken in tablet form. If you are experiencing a heart attack, your doctors may administer atenolol through an injection. Once inside the body, atenolol relaxes the blood vessels and slows the heart rate. When taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, atenolol can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.