What is the main goal of administering nitroglycerin to a patient with chest pain?

The primary goal of administering nitroglycerin to a patient experiencing chest pain is to dilate blood vessels, which improves blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the smooth muscles within the blood vessels. This vasodilation reduces the resistance against which the heart has to pump, decreasing the workload on the heart.

By widening the blood vessels, nitroglycerin increases the supply of oxygen-rich blood to areas of the heart that may be ischemic due to reduced blood flow, often caused by conditions such as angina or myocardial infarction. This improved blood flow can alleviate chest pain and potentially prevent further damage to the heart tissue.

While it is true that lowering blood pressure can be a result of administering nitroglycerin, the underlying mechanism that directly addresses the patient’s chest pain is the dilation of blood vessels. Similarly, while reducing the oxygen demand of the heart is an important consideration in managing chest pain, the immediate effects of nitroglycerin are more focused on improving blood flow rather than simply reducing how much oxygen the heart requires.