Acute coronary syndromes nitrates

Nitrates are required for symptomatic relief of chest pain they are not proven to improve hard outcomes such as MI or death. Nitrates should be given initially sublingually or by spray, followed by oral or transdermal routes if pain is relieved. Lack of pain relief mandates i.v. administration. Beta-blockers such as metoprolol are used and may reduce the risk of subsequent MI. Calcium channel blockers such as dilfiazem, verapamil, or long-acting di-hydropyridines can be added for symptom control if nitrates and beta-blockers do not suffice they do not improve outcomes. In fact, they may worsen outcomes in the presence of left ventricular dysfunction or CHF in acute coronary syndrome. 

Angina pectoris, hypertension, congestive heart failure, acute myocardial ischaemia, acute pulmonary oedema, unstable coronary syndromes especially when associated with elevated filling pressures. Nitrate therapy may exaggerate outflow obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. 

---