What is the role of nitroglycerin in treating heart failure?

• A. To suppress the immune system
• B. To increase heart rate
• C. To relieve chest pain and improve blood flow
• D. To promote diuresis

Answer: (C)

Nitroglycerin works primarily as a vasodilator that lowers the heart’s workload by reducing preload. By dilating veins, it decreases venous return to the left ventricle, which lowers left ventricular filling pressures and wall stress. This reduction in myocardial oxygen demand helps relieve chest pain due to ischemia and can improve blood flow to the heart muscle. In heart failure with congestion, the preload reduction also eases pulmonary edema and dyspnea, making it easier for the heart to circulate blood.

It does not suppress the immune system, it isn’t used to deliberately raise heart rate, and it doesn’t promote diuresis (that’s the role of diuretics).