What is one of the first-line treatments to relieve angina attacks?

Sublingual nitroglycerin is considered one of the first-line treatments to relieve angina attacks because it acts rapidly to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and alleviating chest pain. When administered sublingually, the nitroglycerin quickly enters the bloodstream, providing prompt relief during an acute angina episode. This makes it particularly effective for immediate symptom relief, distinguishing it from other options that may be more suitable for long-term management or prevention of angina rather than acute treatment.

Long-acting nitrates, beta-blockers, and aspirin play important roles in the overall management of stable angina and prevention of angina attacks over time, but they do not provide the swift relief that sublingual nitroglycerin offers during a sudden episode. Long-acting nitrates are typically used for ongoing prophylaxis, while beta-blockers are prescribed to reduce the frequency of angina attacks by lowering heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. Aspirin is primarily used for its antiplatelet properties to prevent cardiovascular events, rather than for the immediate relief of anginal pain.