Atenolol is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called beta-blockers. It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart-related conditions. Atenolol works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action helps slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions. As a result, the heart requires less oxygen to function. Atenolol is also prescribed to manage chest pain known as angina. It can help prevent irregular heartbeats and reduce the risk of heart attacks. The drug is usually taken orally in tablet form. Atenolol is known for being relatively selective to the heart compared to some other beta-blockers. Overall, it plays an important role in cardiovascular disease management.