What medication is typically given to hypertensive patients with chest pain or shortness of breath?

Nitroglycerin (NTG) is commonly administered to hypertensive patients who are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath because it acts as a potent vasodilator. This means it helps to widen the blood vessels, which in turn reduces the workload on the heart by decreasing both preload and afterload. This can significantly relieve chest pain associated with angina or acute coronary syndrome and provides symptomatic relief for patients struggling with shortness of breath due to high blood pressure or heart issues.

In acute situations like these, NTG serves both to alleviate chest pain and to help lower elevated blood pressure. Administering NTG can lead to quick relief of symptoms due to its fast action, as it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This makes it especially useful in emergency settings.

While other medications mentioned have their uses, they do not directly address the immediate symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath in the same way that nitroglycerin does.