Nitroglycerin is a medication prescribed to treat chest pain, also called angina pectoris. It is also being studied as a low-dose treatment for prostate conditions. It is manufactured in various forms such as ointments, pills, patches and sprays, and it comes in different dosages. Nitroglycerin can be beneficial but also has side effects. Before taking nitroglycerin, consult your healthcare provider about its action and potential side effects.
Relieves Chest Pain
People who suffer from chronic chest pain take nitroglycerin to relieve this pain. Chest pain is the body's way of telling you the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. This pain can feel like an elephant sitting on your chest, squeezing the heart, or it may manifest as upper back pain, to name two possibilities. Inadequate oxygen reaching cardiac muscle may be a result of clogged arteries, cardiac disease or elevated blood pressure. Nitroglycerin relaxes and dilates blood vessels so oxygen-rich blood can flow to heart tissue.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Nitroglycerin's action is to widen blood vessel diameter and relax the vessels. This results in blood flowing more freely in arteries and veins. In turn, this allows blood to circulate to the heart easier, thereby reducing the workload of the heart. When the heart doesn't have to pump as hard, blood pressure is reduced. A blood vessel is similar to a garden hose. When you increase the diameter size of a hose, the pressure of the water coming out is decreased in comparison to a smaller-diameter hose.
Many Choices Available
The exact form of nitroglycerin is ordered by your healthcare provider, but many choices are available to fit your lifestyle. All forms have the same drug action. For instance, nitroglycerin spray or sublingual tablets can be used for sudden chest pain. Both are absorbed via the mucous membranes in the mouth and travel to the bloodstream. This results in faster relief, because it does not have to be digested. Another choice is ointment or a patch placed on the skin. These are extended-release options for people who have chronic chest pain.
Safety and Precautions
Before using nitroglycerin, ensure that you have a clear understanding of this product and how to use it. The benefits range from relieving pain to decreasing the risk of heart attack. However, if taken incorrectly, this drug can be life-threatening. In addition, drug interactions with nitroglycerin are possible, involving certain blood pressure medications, aspirin and some nutritional supplements, according to PubMed Health.
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