Nitroglycerin: Mechanism of Action and Side Effects

Week 6 DQ2
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Nitroglycerin in the Treatment of Angina 
Nitroglycerin is a drug administered to patients to treat angina by promoting blood flow. It works by converting mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase to an active substance, nitrogen oxide, which plays an important role in activating the enzyme guanylate cyclase. As a result of the activation, blood flow in veins and arteries increases, which causes a decrease in blood pressure (Montgomery, 2021). Also, due to the presence of nitric oxide, the smooth muscles in various blood vessels tend to relax. Furthermore, monitoring this drug in an intensive care unit entails real-time blood pressure monitoring after the drug is administered (Hamaoka, 2021). Conversely, when sublingually administered, its effectiveness is monitored in measures of relief of symptoms such as congestive heart failure and angina.
Additionally, some of the side effects of using nitroglycerin include experiencing headaches and dizziness. An individual may also experience an irregular ...