What is the purpose of nitroglycerin in angina management?

• A. To relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels
• B. To increase heart rate
• C. To decrease blood sugar
• D. To harden arterial walls

Answer: (A)

Nitroglycerin’s main purpose in angina management is to relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels. It releases nitric oxide, relaxing smooth muscle and causing vasodilation, especially of the veins. This venodilation lowers venous return to the heart (preload) and reduces left ventricular wall stress, which decreases myocardial oxygen consumption. With less oxygen demand, anginal pain eases quickly. While there can be some coronary dilation, the critical effect driving symptom relief is reduced oxygen demand rather than increasing supply. It doesn’t change blood sugar levels or harden arterial walls, and any rise in heart rate would be a secondary reflex rather than the intended action.