What is the purpose of administering nitroglycerin in this context?

What is the purpose of administering nitroglycerin in this context?

• A. To dilate cerebral arteries
• B. To dilate coronary arteries
• C. To increase heart rate
• D. To decrease systemic vascular resistance

Answer: (B)

Nitroglycerin is given to improve blood flow to the ischemic heart by dilating the coronary arteries, increasing perfusion to already stressed myocardium. It releases nitric oxide, causing relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. In the context of chest pain or suspected ischemia, this coronary dilation helps relieve ischemia and angina. Nitroglycerin also lowers preload and afterload (through venodilation and some arterial dilation), which reduces the heart’s oxygen demand, but the key therapeutic aim here is to enhance coronary perfusion to the ischemic tissue.

Nitroglycerin is given to improve blood flow to the ischemic heart by dilating the coronary arteries, increasing perfusion to already stressed myocardium. It releases nitric oxide, causing relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. In the context of chest pain or suspected ischemia, this coronary dilation helps relieve ischemia and angina. Nitroglycerin also lowers preload and afterload (through venodilation and some arterial dilation), which reduces the heart’s oxygen demand, but the key therapeutic aim here is to enhance coronary perfusion to the ischemic tissue.