How can nitroglycerin help with anginal pain?

Nitroglycerin is effective in relieving anginal pain primarily because it dilates coronary arteries and reduces myocardial oxygen demand. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, usually due to narrowed coronary arteries. By dilating these blood vessels, nitroglycerin enhances blood flow to the heart, ensuring that more oxygen reaches the myocardium during episodes of chest pain.

Additionally, nitroglycerin reduces the workload on the heart by decreasing myocardial oxygen demand. This occurs through the reduction of preload and afterload, as vasodilation lowers the pressure the heart has to work against. This dual action not only alleviates the pain but also addresses the underlying cause, making nitroglycerin a crucial medication in the management of angina.

Other options may describe actions of different medications or mechanisms that do not directly relate to the immediate effects of nitroglycerin in treating anginal pain.