Which medication is a beta blocker that lowers blood pressure?

Which medication is a beta blocker that lowers blood pressure?

• A. Nifedipine
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide
• C. Atenolol
• D. Lisinopril

Answer: (C)

This question tests your knowledge of which antihypertensive is a beta blocker. Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker, so it reduces heart rate and contractility and also lowers renin release from the kidneys. These effects decrease cardiac output and suppress the renin–angiotensin system, leading to lower blood pressure. The other drugs belong to different classes: nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes vascular smooth muscle to lower pressure; hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that reduces blood volume; lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that prevents formation of angiotensin II, causing vasodilation. Atenolol best fits as the beta blocker among these options.

This question tests your knowledge of which antihypertensive is a beta blocker. Atenolol is a cardioselective beta-1 blocker, so it reduces heart rate and contractility and also lowers renin release from the kidneys. These effects decrease cardiac output and suppress the renin–angiotensin system, leading to lower blood pressure. The other drugs belong to different classes: nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes vascular smooth muscle to lower pressure; hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that reduces blood volume; lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that prevents formation of angiotensin II, causing vasodilation. Atenolol best fits as the beta blocker among these options.