What agents are primarily used as antispasmodics in catheterization lab patients?

Nitrates serve as effective antispasmodic agents in catheterization lab patients primarily due to their ability to dilate blood vessels. This vasodilation helps to reduce myocardial oxygen demand while simultaneously increasing blood flow to ischemic areas of the heart. In the context of procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), nitrates are commonly used to alleviate coronary artery spasm, thus promoting better perfusion and reducing the potential for complications during catheterization.

Beta-blockers, while useful in managing heart rate and preventing further ischemic events, do not specifically target spasm relief in the way nitrates do. Calcium channel blockers are effective at preventing and treating spastic episodes by blocking calcium entry into the cells, but their use is more common in outpatient management of conditions like angina rather than in the acute setting of catheterization. ACE inhibitors are primarily utilized for their long-term benefits in heart failure and hypertension management rather than for immediate spasm relief during procedures.