HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Nitrates for Heart Attack and Unstable Angina
Why It Is Used
For a heart attack. Nitroglycerin may be used to treat a Reference heart attack Opens New Window, because it can help increase blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart.
For angina. Nitrates prevent and relieve Reference angina Opens New Window. They may be used:
- During angina attacks.
- Before stressful activities that can cause angina (such as having sexual intercourse or walking up stairs or a hill).
- Over the long term to prevent angina that occurs during daily activities.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 14, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Reference Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
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