Final answer:
Nitroglycerine relieves chest pain by dilating coronary arteries, improving blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle by releasing nitric oxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to one theory, nitroglycerine relieves chest pain by causing the dilation of coronary arteries. Nitroglycerine, known medically as glyceryl trinitrate, functions by triggering the release of nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to their expansion. This improves the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, thus relieving angina, which is pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
When administered sublingually, nitroglycerine is absorbed quickly, helping restore blood flow and alleviating symptoms of ischemia in patients with angina pectoris. This is a key immediate treatment option for managing angina symptoms, alongside other longer-term treatments for heart-related conditions.