If a clot forms in a diseased coronary artery, oxygen no longer flows to the part of the heart muscle that is supplied by the artery. The lack of oxygen causes angina and leads to a heart attack. Nitroglycerin plays an important role in the treatment of angina and heart attack. Nitroglycerin improves blood flow through the coronary arteries and decreases angina by dilating the coronary arteries.

Nitrates used in the treatment of angina:

• Sublingual nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrol)
• Isosorbide (Isordil)