Which medication is indicated for symptomatic relief in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?

Nitroglycerin is indicated for symptomatic relief in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease because it acts as a potent vasodilator. This medication primarily works by dilating the coronary arteries, which improves blood flow to the heart muscle and alleviates symptoms associated with angina. Angina pectoris is a common symptom in patients with atherosclerotic disease, characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to insufficient blood supply to the heart. By relaxing the vascular smooth muscle, nitroglycerin reduces myocardial oxygen demand and helps manage acute episodes of chest pain effectively.

In comparison, other medications listed do not primarily serve this same purpose. Selevamer is primarily used to control hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and does not provide symptomatic relief for cardiovascular situations. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug used for controlling specific heart rhythm problems but is not a first-line treatment for angina or symptomatic relief associated with atherosclerotic disease. Metoprolol, while it can benefit patients with cardiovascular conditions due to its beta-blocking effects, is more focused on reducing heart rate and cardiac output, rather than providing acute symptomatic relief from chest pain. This differentiates nitroglycerin as a specific