Ace the EMT Challenge 2025 – Elevate Your Emergency Skills!

The primary indication for using nitroglycerin is cardiac chest pain, often associated with conditions such as angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack). Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator, meaning it helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This reduction in workload on the heart and the increase in oxygen supply can significantly alleviate the chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow.

While nitroglycerin may have effects on blood pressure, it is not primarily indicated for high blood pressure management; rather, it is specifically used to relieve angina pectoris. In cases of shortness of breath, although nitroglycerin may sometimes be used, it is not the first-line treatment and is more focused on the underlying cardiac issues causing the discomfort. Joint pain is unrelated to the indications for nitroglycerin use and would typically require a different approach for management.