What is the purpose of using long-acting nitrates in angina treatment?

Long-acting nitrates play a crucial role in the treatment of angina by alleviating symptoms. These medications work primarily through the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation, which in turn reduces myocardial oxygen demand and improves blood flow to the heart. By expanding the coronary arteries, long-acting nitrates help ensure that the heart muscle receives sufficient oxygen, which can help relieve episodes of angina or chest pain.

In addition to improving symptoms, these nitrates can actually enhance exercise tolerance for patients suffering from angina. While they do have effects on blood pressure and could potentially influence heart rate, their primary therapeutic goal in this context is centered around providing symptomatic relief for patients facing anginal attacks. This makes them a key component in the management of chronic stable angina when used in a long-acting formulation.