Nitroglycerin
- Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator (a medication that dilates blood vessels,
thereby lowering blood pressure) that frequently is used in the management
of angina pectoris.
Angina usually occurs during exertion, severe emotional
stress, or after a heavy meal. During these periods, the heart muscle demands
more blood oxygen than the narrowed coronary arteries can deliver.
- Angina typically lasts from 1 to 15 minutes and is relieved by rest or by
placing a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue. Both resting and nitroglycerin
decrease the heart muscles demand for oxygen, thus relieving angina.