nitro patch/spray

my 82 year old mom stopped using her daily nitro patch some time ago (reason unknown). my sister is wondering if she can restart using it having been off it for some time or does she need to check back in with her doctor.  she has been complaining of some back pain between her shoulder blades lately and also of recent hip pain. this could be cardiac induced back pain?  my sister thought she should use her nitro spray when she has that pain?

[kenkeith]

I take nitro occassionally when there is angina or prior to going to the health center to exercise.  Your sister is correct.  She should use a nitrate to relieve any pain.  Angina (heart related pain) indicates the heart muscle cells are not receiving enough oxygenated blood.  To endure the pain without medication can severly damage the heart.  The medication dilates the coronary vessels and provides a good supply of blood.

I don't know the shelf life of a nitro patch, but it may no longer be effective, if it has been awhile.