What is the primary purpose of nitroglycerin (NTG) in medicine?

The primary purpose of nitroglycerin (NTG) in medicine is to relieve chest pain, specifically angina pectoris, which is a common symptom of coronary artery disease. Nitroglycerin works as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the heart and decreases the heart's workload. By doing so, it alleviates the pain associated with reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle. The rapid onset of action makes it particularly effective for managing acute episodes of chest pain.

While nitroglycerin can have effects on blood pressure due to its vasodilating properties, its main indication is the relief of chest pain rather than treating hypertension as a standalone condition. Additionally, nitroglycerin does not play a role in preventing infections or reducing inflammation; those purposes are typically managed by antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, respectively. Therefore, the option that identifies the principal use of NTG for relieving chest pain is accurate.