GTN
GTN, also known as glyceryl trinitrate, is essentially a chemical nitroglycerin that, when introduced into the body--either through a tablet or transdermal patch--will be converted into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that can dilate the arteries and veins. If you were to use GTN, the additional nitric oxide created through the conversion would then relax and widen your blood vessels, which would allow your blood to circulate more easily. This ease would create less resistance and conceivably lower your blood pressure.
Efficacy
According to the Department of Internal Medicine at Ehime University, GTN is more beneficial in reducing your systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure created by the pumping of blood when your heart beats, than your diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure of your blood when your heart is at rest. While there were positive results in the use of GTN to lower blood pressure, more trials need to be performed to truly gauge the functional outcome of the substance to lower a person's blood pressure long-term. Currently, GTN is most commonly used to treat angina, as it serves to relax the heart and relieve the actual attack. But since the substance can prompt dilation, it is a good indication that it could end up being used to treat hypertension, especially in those individuals with a high systolic blood pressure.
Side Effects
As with almost any medication, GTN does have some potential and undesirable side effects, including headaches, dizziness or light-headedness, fainting, nausea and upset stomach, increased or decreased heart rate and a burning in the mouth. Some people may also experience an allergic reaction to GTN, including a rash or the hives, itching, swelling of the tongue and/or throat, swelling of the lips or mouth, trouble breathing and trouble swallowing.
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