1 You'll need to avoid strenuous activities, but you may be able to continue normal daily activities, such as going to work. 2  Talk to your doctor about an appropriate level of activity for you. 3  Follow a balanced diet.
Nitroglycerin works by causing your veins to expand or dilate, known as venodilation. It also works on dilating the coronary arteries, contributing to the relief of angina.
Quick-acting forms of nitroglycerin are used to relieve angina or used just before activities that typically cause angina. The quick-acting forms include tablets or oral sprays. The tablets are placed under the tongue (sublingual) or between the cheek and gum (buccal). The spray is used on or under the tongue. Taking nitroglycerin can lower your blood pressure, which could cause you to pass out if you are standing up. 2  For sudden episodes of angina, use nitroglycerin in a tablet or liquid spray form. 3  Place the under-the-tongue (sublingual) tablet under your tongue. 4  Leave it there until it dissolves.