What are nitrates used for in cardiovascular medicine?

Nitrates are primarily used in cardiovascular medicine to relieve angina, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. They achieve this by dilating blood vessels, specifically veins and arteries, which enhances blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart while simultaneously reducing the heart's workload. This dual action helps alleviate the symptoms of angina by decreasing the demand for oxygen as well as increasing the supply, thereby providing relief during episodes of chest pain.

The mechanism of action is critical: by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, nitrates reduce the pressure in the coronary arteries and improve overall circulation to the heart. This is particularly beneficial in conditions like coronary artery disease, where the blood supply to the heart is compromised.