1. Nitroglycerin for Your Heart?
In an extremely funny twist of nature, one of the first types of explosives, called nitroglycerin, became the first type of man-made medication for the treatment of chest pain. It is currently one of the most effective vasodilators on the market. It works by making the blood vessel's smooth muscle relax, causing them to dilate, which helps to reduce the force of the pumping of the heart to circulate the blood throughout the body. Chest pain occurs as a result of a the heart not getting enough oxygen via the blood. When vasodilation occurs, there is little resistance to the adequate flow of oxygen-rich blood.
2. Types of Nitroglycerin
There are various types of nitroglycerin forms and concentrations that can be prescribed, including ointment, sublingual pills that are placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve, sprays that can be used in the nose or mouth, sustained-release pills that deliver the medication over the course of time, capsules that are swallowed, and even patches placed on the skin. The goal of using nitroglycerin for heart related issues is the help to prevent, reduce or relieve the frequency of chest pain attacks and allow the proper amount of blood flow to the vital organs.
3. Sublingual Pills
When prescribed sublingual pills, you must place it between your gum and your cheek or under your tongue and let it dissolve. You can take another dose 5 minutes after taking the first one if you do not get relief. The maximum you can take is three pills in one 15-minute interval, in an attempt to feel relief from the chest pain. If there is no relief, you need to get to the nearest hospital emergency room for assessment and evaluation.
4. Patches and Ointment
To help to prevent any chest pain from occurring, utilizing patches and ointment are another option that your doctor may prescribe for you. When using this form, you must change the site of application of each of these types of medications so that there is no rash or skin inflammation. If using the ointment, make sure to measure exactly what is prescribed--no more, no less. These are potent forms, and care should be taken when storing these. Make sure they are not stored near regular skin lotions, where they could be confused as such and applied to the skin as a skin lotion. This can have drastic effects.
5. Spray and Aerosols
Spray and aerosols are not used very often but are used by spraying under the tongue for relief of chest pain. These forms also follows the rule of taking up to three doses in 15 minute increments, and if there still is no relief, you should get to the nearest hospital for medical care.
