What is the first-line treatment commonly used for stable angina?

For the management of stable angina, nitroglycerin is often utilized as a first-line treatment option. This medication acts as a vasodilator, which means it relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow to the heart and decreased oxygen demand. This action helps alleviate chest pain and symptoms associated with angina by improving myocardial oxygenation during times of stress or physical activity.

While aspirin, metoprolol, and atorvastatin are important components of cardiovascular care and management for coronary artery disease, they do not specifically target the immediate relief of angina symptoms in the same manner as nitroglycerin does. Aspirin is mainly used for its antiplatelet effects to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, metoprolol is a beta-blocker used for heart rate control and to reduce myocardial oxygen demand over the long term, and atorvastatin serves to lower cholesterol levels and manage dyslipidemia. Therefore, nitroglycerin stands out as the immediate first-line treatment for the relief of acute angina symptoms.