What medication is commonly used to treat cardiac chest pain by dilating arteries?

Nitroglycerin is a medication widely recognized for its ability to relieve cardiac chest pain, also known as angina, primarily through the dilation of coronary arteries. When administered, nitroglycerin is converted into nitric oxide, which relaxes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels. This relaxation results in the dilation of both arteries and veins, leading to an increase in blood flow and a reduction in the heart's workload. This mechanism effectively alleviates chest pain associated with ischemic heart conditions.

The other medications listed serve different purposes. Aspirin is primarily used as an antiplatelet agent to prevent blood clots, beta-blockers help in lowering heart rate and reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and statins are used to manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. While all play important roles in the management of heart conditions, only nitroglycerin directly addresses the dilation of arteries to relieve cardiac chest pain.