Can long acting nitrates be used to relieve angina symptoms?

Long-acting nitrates are indeed not effective for immediate relief of angina symptoms. They are designed to provide prolonged vasodilation and help prevent angina episodes over time rather than address acute episodes when they occur. As a result, while they play an important role in managing chronic angina by reducing the frequency of attacks, they are not suitable for urgent relief. In clinical practice, short-acting nitrates are preferred for immediate relief, as they rapidly dilate blood vessels and alleviate angina symptoms quickly.

Understanding the mechanisms of these medications, long-acting nitrates take time to build up therapeutic levels in the body, which makes them inappropriate for treating sudden angina attacks. This distinction is crucial in managing patients with angina, emphasizing the importance of using the right type of medication for specific situations.