Final answer:
A competitive inhibitor binds to the active site and blocks the natural ligand. Atenolol decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and vasoconstriction. This drug can benefit patients with high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
A competitive inhibitor works by binding to the active site of an enzyme or receptor, preventing the binding of the natural substrate or ligand. In the case of atenolol, it competes with the natural ligand epinephrine for binding to β-adrenergic receptors in the body.When atenolol binds to β-adrenergic receptors, it blocks the binding of epinephrine, which leads to a decrease in the response of the sympathetic nervous system. This results in a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and vasoconstriction.Patients or symptoms that may benefit from atenolol include those with high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders.