Which medication is commonly used to treat angina pectoris?

Verapamil is recognized as a treatment option for angina pectoris because it belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. These medications work by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, which can help reduce the workload of the heart and improve blood flow. In the context of angina pectoris, Verapamil assists in preventing episodes of chest pain by lowering blood pressure and stabilizing heart rhythms.

Calcium channel blockers like Verapamil are particularly effective in managing exertional angina, which occurs during physical activity due to increased oxygen demand by the heart. By dilating the coronary arteries, Verapamil enhances oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, thereby alleviating the symptoms of angina.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not share the same primary function in the treatment of angina pectoris. Ativan (lorazepam) is primarily an anti-anxiety medication, Lorazepam is used to manage anxiety disorders; therefore, it does not directly address the cardiovascular issues associated with angina. Nifedipine is also a calcium channel blocker like Verapamil, but it is typically used for different indications, such as hypertension and certain kinds of angina.

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