What is the medication for rapidly terminating an angina attack?

When angina pectoris suddenly occurs, the first-line choice for rapidly terminating symptoms is nitrate medications.

In the treatment of angina, sublingual nitroglycerin tablets and spray are the most commonly used options. Their core mechanism of action involves effectively dilating the coronary arteries, significantly improving blood supply to the heart. Additionally, they can promote relaxation of the atria and veins, thereby reducing the heart's afterload and ventricular wall tension, ultimately decreasing myocardial oxygen demand.

Patients often use nitroglycerin either by sublingual administration of tablets or by inhalation of the spray. Both methods ensure rapid drug absorption and onset of action, typically providing significant symptom relief within a short time frame (1 to 5 minutes). Nitroglycerin must be used strictly according to medical guidance to avoid excessive doses that could lead to adverse effects such as hypotension.

For first-time angina episodes or symptoms that persist despite treatment, prompt medical attention is recommended.