Nicorandil acts in three ways:
- Releases NO leading to vasodilatation, decreasing preload and afterload
- Hyperpolarization, leading to relaxation of blood vessels
- Helps by virtue of preconditioning of myocardium. The myocardium contains K+ channels (ATP gated) also found n pancreas associated with insulin release. They reduce overloading of Ca++ reducing contractility, this is called reconditioning.