RCIS Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Exam Prep

Nitroglycerin (NTG) is a vasodilator commonly used to relieve angina and manage certain cardiac conditions. However, it is contraindicated in severe aortic stenosis due to the physiological impact of the drug on vascular dynamics.

In severe aortic stenosis, the narrowing of the aortic valve restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition often leads to a compensatory increase in left ventricular pressure to overcome the obstruction. When NTG is administered, it causes systemic vasodilation, which can lead to a sudden decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This reduction in vascular resistance may significantly lower blood pressure and reduce the preload and afterload on the heart. In the context of severe aortic stenosis, reducing these pressures can compromise coronary perfusion, leading to potential cardiovascular collapse or exacerbation of symptoms such as syncope, heart failure, or angina.

In contrast, NTG can be utilized in conditions like heart failure to relieve symptoms by reducing preload and in angina episodes to alleviate chest pain due to its ability to dilate coronary arteries. The use of NTG in hypertension can also be beneficial in managing acute situations since it can lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart in a