Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels so more blood gets to your heart muscle.  That helps stop the pain. 

Doctors usually prescribe nitroglycerin for angina pectoris, which often is called just "angina."  It’s sudden heart -related chest pain.  It happens because something prevents the flow of blood to your heart muscle. 

Do you know whether to take your nitroglycerin tablets before, during, or after chest pain ?  And are there times when you shouldn’t take it at all? 

When Should You Take Nitroglycerin? 

Your doctor may give you instructions to take your nitroglycerin before you have angina.  That means taking it before activities that are more likely to cause it. 

For example, you might take it 5 to 10 minutes before you go for a bike ride.  You might also take it before:

Exercise

Physical activity like carrying heavy items, using the vacuum, or raking leaves

Sex (don’t take erectile dysfunction medicines at the same time)

Situations that make you feel worried, anxious, or angry

You may take your nitroglycerin when you first feel the symptoms of angina.  It’s important to know your own body and what angina is like for you.  You may have:

Aching, discomfort, or pain in your chest

Aching, discomfort, or pain in your jaw, throat, shoulders, arms, or upper belly or abdomen

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

Tiredness (fatigue)

Nausea, a feeling of fullness or bloating, or gas

If you have angina, take your nitroglycerin as instructed by your doctor.  This might mean you take it as soon as you feel symptoms, or you wait a minute before you take it, or you take more than one pill over several minutes. 

If you take your nitroglycerin as instructed and you still have chest pain, get medical help right away.