Final answer:
Nitroglycerin is used medically to relieve chest pain in heart disease by dilating the blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart. Administered sublingually, it releases nitric oxide to relax smooth muscles. It has been used since the 1880s but should be used with caution due to possible side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nitroglycerin, also known as glyceryl trinitrate, is an explosive compound that has been repurposed for medical use, particularly in the treatment of heart disease. One of its main uses is to relieve chest pain associated with angina by triggering the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator, causing the blood vessels to dilate (expand), which in turn improves blood flow and reduces stress on the heart.
It is administered sublingually, or under the tongue, to ensure rapid absorption into the bloodstream. It's important to note that despite its long history of use, the full mechanism of nitroglycerin is not completely understood. However, it is known to involve the release of nitric oxide and an endothelium-derived releasing factor that helps relax the smooth muscle in the arteries. When treating myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, immediate treatments often include supplemental oxygen, aspirin, and sublingual nitroglycerin.
One should be aware that nitroglycerin should be used with caution, as it can cause side effects such as sudden drops in blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches. Patients with certain conditions or who are taking other medications that affect blood pressure may not be able to use nitroglycerin.