ACE and stroke disorder: Whilst angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers have little or no effect on BPV, the evidence that beta-blockers such as atenolol increase BPV is fairly consistent.13 It is possible that the lack of protection of atenolol against stroke reported in some studies is not only due to its effect on BPV but also to the fact that the increased wave reflection associated with beta-blocker-induced bradycardia, increases end SBP, and augmentation index.