Which class of medication do Nitroglycerin and nitrates fall under?

Nitroglycerin and nitrates are classified as anti-anginal agents because they are primarily used to relieve angina pectoris, which is chest pain due to insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. These medications work by relaxing and dilating blood vessels, which helps to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow.

This mechanism is particularly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of angina attacks by decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and improving oxygen delivery to the heart tissue. The use of nitroglycerin can be acute, such as for immediate relief of a angina episode, or chronic, for ongoing management of the condition.

Understanding this categorization helps in recognizing how these medications fit into the broader spectrum of cardiovascular pharmacology and their role in treating ischemic heart conditions.