Final answer:
The medication most commonly prescribed for the immediate treatment of angina is nitroglycerin, a vasodilator that provides quick relief by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating angina, physicians often prescribe nitroglycerin to alleviate chest pain. Nitroglycerin works as a vasodilator, which means it helps to widen blood vessels, thus improving blood flow to the heart muscle and reducing the workload of the heart. It is typically taken sublingually, or under the tongue, for rapid absorption. It has been a mainstay in the treatment of angina since the 1880s. While aspirin may also be used in the management of heart conditions by helping to prevent blood clots, it is not typically the primary medication for immediate relief of angina symptoms. Other treatments for cardiac conditions include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, which decrease the heart's workload and oxygen demand. Additionally, medications like heparin may be used for their anticoagulant properties, but they are not directly used for relief of angina.