Angina is chest pain that occurs when heart muscles do not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina is not a disease but a symptom of coronary heart disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when fatty substances called plaque build up in the inner walls of coronary arteries. These fatty deposits cause narrowing and stiffening of coronary arteries, which leads to reduced flow of blood to the heart muscle. Nitrates are drugs used to treat angina.
Angina and Nitrates
Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, which allows more oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart. Heart patients are usually advised to take nitrate tablets before engaging in vigorous physical activities such as jogging and swimming. Vigorous physical activities trigger angina because they increase oxygen demand in the heart. Nitrates are also used for long-term prevention of angina, according to MayoClinic.com.
Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin is the most common nitrate used to treat angina. Nitroglycerin is available in the form of sublingual tablets, capsules, sprays and patches. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are usually placed under the tongue or between the cheeks and gums to relieve angina episodes. Nitroglycerin extended-release capsules are used for long-term prevention of angina episodes caused by coronary heart disease, according to PubMedHealth.
Side Effects of Nitrogylcerin
Patients taking nitroglycerin may experience common side effects such as dizziness, weakness, mild tingling, warmth or a tingly feeling under the skin when a nitroglycerin tablet is placed under the tongue. Other adverse effects of nitroglycerin include blurred vision, rapid and pounding heartbeat, fainting, sweating, vomiting, fever, sore throat, headache, and a peeling and red skin rash, according to Drugs.com.
Symptoms of Angina
Patients with angina experience symptoms such as chest pain that radiates to the shoulder or back, pain in the arms, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, sweating, nausea and abdominal pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients should learn to recognize the symptoms of angina because they can signal a heart attack. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain that does not go away after resting or taking angina medications.
