Blood pressure is the pressure inside your blood vessels, both as your heart is pumping blood through them and while the heart is relaxed. If too high, the condition can cause health problems, so keeping your blood pressure at a proper level is essential. Atenolol is approved for controlling high blood pressure, relieving symptoms of angina, and improving survival following a heart attack. It works by blocking a specific type of beta receptor, which causes the reverse effect of stress hormones -- decreasing heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart. Blood pressure medications (also known as hypertensives), such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and diuretics can help to manage and treat high blood pressure. Find out more about how these treatments work. How do beta-blockers work? Beta-blockers lower your blood pressure by blocking the effect of hormones called adrenaline and ­noradrenaline. By blocking these hormones, beta-blockers slow down your heart rate and reduce the force at which blood is pumped round your body. If your doctor has ever told you that you have hypertension or hypotension disease, you may wonder what that means. Blood pressure is the powerful force of your blood, which flows against the walls of your arteries. Blood Pressure Changes (Hypertension & Hypotension) chemotherapy side effect, causes, symptom management and when to contact your healthcare provider during cancer treatment. 2. How is blood pressure measured? Blood pressure is usually measured by wrapping an inflatable cuff around your upper arm and pumping it up. The cuff pressure which stops the blood flow to your arm is then measured, and this is equal to the pressure in your blood vessels. High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Did you know that a poorly functioning thyroid, or inadequate treatment with T4-only medications like Synthroid, Levoxyl, Extroxin, et al, can be a factor in blood pressure problems? Find heart and blood pressure medication for dogs and cats from top brands at 1800PetMeds and save. Receive free shipping on orders of more than $49.