Why do I need to take nitrates? Nitrates are used to treat the chest pain associated with angina and to ease the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). How do nitrates work? Nitrates are a vasodilator. Vasodilators widen (dilate) the blood vessels, improving blood flow and allowing more oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart muscle. Nitrates also relax the veins … Continue reading Nitrates