Angina pectoris is usually relieved by which of the following?

Angina pectoris is usually relieved by which of the following?

• A. Nitro or rest
• B. Hydration
• C. Deep breathing
• D. Exercise

Answer: (A)

Angina pectoris is an acute mismatch between the heart’s oxygen supply and demand. The fastest and most reliable relief comes from lowering the heart’s oxygen demand and, when possible, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin does this by dilating veins, which reduces preload and wall tension on the heart. That drop in myocardial work lowers oxygen demand and often allows the heart to receive sufficient oxygen again. Rest contributes by further reducing heart rate and blood pressure, easing the heart’s workload and improving the balance between oxygen supply and demand. Hydration doesn’t directly address the ischemic process, and deep breathing helps mainly with anxiety or breathing patterns rather than correcting the oxygen supply-demand balance. Exercise would raise the heart’s workload and oxygen needs, likely worsening angina symptoms.

Angina pectoris is an acute mismatch between the heart’s oxygen supply and demand. The fastest and most reliable relief comes from lowering the heart’s oxygen demand and, when possible, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin does this by dilating veins, which reduces preload and wall tension on the heart. That drop in myocardial work lowers oxygen demand and often allows the heart to receive sufficient oxygen again. Rest contributes by further reducing heart rate and blood pressure, easing the heart’s workload and improving the balance between oxygen supply and demand.

Hydration doesn’t directly address the ischemic process, and deep breathing helps mainly with anxiety or breathing patterns rather than correcting the oxygen supply-demand balance. Exercise would raise the heart’s workload and oxygen needs, likely worsening angina symptoms.