How effective is atenolol (tenormin) for treating hypertension?

Beta-blocker: Atenolol is a blood pressure lowering medication from the beta-blocker class. It's easy to take at just once daily & inexpensive at $4/mo at many pharmacies. As a class, we think of beta-blockers especially in those w/heart failure and/or have suffered a heart attack. Some beta-blockers are also useful for (performance) anxiety & migraine headaches. Check out http://www.drugs.com/atenolol.html