What is the main purpose of using nitrates in angina management?

The main purpose of using nitrates in the management of angina is to relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels. Nitrates work primarily as vasodilators, which means they relax and widen the blood vessels. This dilation decreases the workload on the heart by reducing the amount of oxygen needed for heart muscle contraction during episodes of angina. When blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries, are dilated, blood flow to the heart muscle increases, helping to alleviate the pain associated with angina by ensuring that the heart muscle receives enough oxygen.

While some may think about the effects of nitrates on heart rate or blood pressure, their primary therapeutic action in the context of angina specifically targets the relief of chest pain through vascular dilation. This fundamentally addresses the underlying mechanism of angina, which is often caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed or obstructed coronary arteries.