In angina management, which medication is used as a vasodilator to increase blood flow during an episode?

In angina management, which medication is used as a vasodilator to increase blood flow during an episode?

• A. Nitroglycerin
• B. Beta-blocker
• C. Aspirin
• D. Smoking cessation

Answer: (A)

Acute vasodilation to improve blood flow during an angina episode is achieved with nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin acts by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes vascular smooth muscle and causes mostly venodilation, lowering preload and myocardial oxygen demand, while also providing some dilation of the coronary vessels to improve perfusion to ischemic areas. Its rapid onset, especially when given sublingually, makes it the preferred agent to abort an angina attack by quickly relieving symptoms. Other options listed do not serve as immediate vasodilators: a beta-blocker reduces heart rate and contractility but doesn’t rapidly dilate vessels; aspirin is an antiplatelet that prevents clotting rather than increasing blood flow; smoking cessation is a long-term lifestyle change rather than an acute medication. In practice, nitroglycerin is used for quick relief, with other therapies considered for prevention or chronic management.

Acute vasodilation to improve blood flow during an angina episode is achieved with nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin acts by releasing nitric oxide, which relaxes vascular smooth muscle and causes mostly venodilation, lowering preload and myocardial oxygen demand, while also providing some dilation of the coronary vessels to improve perfusion to ischemic areas. Its rapid onset, especially when given sublingually, makes it the preferred agent to abort an angina attack by quickly relieving symptoms. Other options listed do not serve as immediate vasodilators: a beta-blocker reduces heart rate and contractility but doesn’t rapidly dilate vessels; aspirin is an antiplatelet that prevents clotting rather than increasing blood flow; smoking cessation is a long-term lifestyle change rather than an acute medication. In practice, nitroglycerin is used for quick relief, with other therapies considered for prevention or chronic management.