Used primarily in the treatment of chronic angina, ranolazine helps improve exercise tolerance and reduce the frequency of angina episodes. It works by inhibiting the late sodium current in cardiac cells, which reduces intracellular calcium overload and decreases myocardial oxygen demand. This mechanism is distinct from other anti-anginal drugs like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, making ranolazine a suitable option for patients who do not respond adequately to first-line therapies. It is often prescribed as an add-on therapy in combination with other anti-anginal medications. Ranolazine does not significantly affect heart rate or blood pressure, which can be advantageous in certain patient populations. Additionally, it has been studied for potential benefits in arrhythmia management due to its effects on cardiac electrophysiology, though this remains an off-label use.