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Nitroglycerin primarily acts as a vasodilator. It works by converting to nitric oxide in the body, which then relaxes smooth muscle and causes dilation of blood vessels. This vasodilation reduces the workload on the heart by decreasing both pre-load (the volume of blood entering the heart) and after-load (the resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood). This mechanism is particularly beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as angina pectoris, where it helps to improve blood flow to the heart muscle and alleviate chest pain.

The other options do not represent the primary mechanism of action of nitroglycerin. For instance, bronchodilation primarily involves different classes of medications that target the airway, increased heart rate is more commonly related to substances like catecholamines, and anticoagulation involves the inhibition of clot formation, which is outside the scope of nitroglycerin's pharmacological effects. Thus, understanding the primary action of nitroglycerin as a vasodilator is crucial for its effective use in emergency medicine and cardiac care.