In the context of ACS, what is the purpose of administering nitroglycerin?

Nitroglycerin is primarily used in the context of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) to relieve chest pain by dilating the coronary arteries. When administered, nitroglycerin works as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels. This dilation helps improve blood flow to the heart muscle, particularly during episodes of ischemia, where the heart is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.

By increasing the diameter of the coronary arteries, nitroglycerin reduces the workload on the heart and relieves angina (chest pain). This mechanism is crucial for patients experiencing ACS, as it can help restore adequate oxygen supply to the myocardium, especially in the presence of narrowed or obstructed coronary arteries. Thus, the administration of nitroglycerin serves a vital role in the acute management of chest pain associated with heart conditions.