Which medication is a selective beta-1 adrenergic blocker?

Atenolol is a selective beta-1 adrenergic blocker, which means it primarily targets the beta-1 receptors located in the heart. By selectively blocking these receptors, atenolol reduces heart rate and myocardial contractility, leading to a decrease in cardiac output and blood pressure. This mechanism makes atenolol effective in managing conditions such as hypertension and angina, as well as serving as a protective treatment following myocardial infarction.

The selectivity is crucial because it minimizes the blockade of beta-2 receptors, which are found in the lungs and vascular smooth muscle. This selectivity helps avoid potential side effects such as bronchoconstriction that might occur with non-selective beta blockers.

In contrast, propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker, affecting both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. Carvedilol is a mixed antagonist that blocks both beta and alpha receptors, thereby having a broader systemic effect. Lisinopril, on the other hand, is an ACE inhibitor and does not interact with adrenergic receptors, making it ineffective as a beta blocker.