**Core Concept**
Nitrates are a class of vasodilators used to reduce myocardial oxygen demand in conditions like angina pectoris. They exert their effects by releasing nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator that relaxes vascular smooth muscle.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Nitrates decrease myocardial oxygen consumption primarily through several mechanisms:
- **Reduced preload**: Nitrates cause venodilation, which decreases the amount of blood returning to the heart, thereby reducing the preload and subsequent contraction of the heart muscle.
- **Reduced afterload**: Nitrates also cause arteriolar dilation, reducing the systemic vascular resistance and afterload, which decreases the energy required for cardiac contraction.
- **Decreased wall tension**: By reducing preload and afterload, nitrates decrease the wall tension of the heart, thereby reducing myocardial oxygen consumption.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it is one of the primary mechanisms by which nitrates decrease myocardial oxygen consumption.

**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it is another mechanism by which nitrates decrease myocardial oxygen consumption.

**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it is the correct answer. Nitrates increase myocardial blood flow by causing vasodilation, which increases oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. This is not a mechanism by which nitrates decrease myocardial oxygen consumption.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Nitrates are contraindicated in patients with hypotension, as they can further decrease blood pressure and reduce cardiac output.

**Correct Answer:** C.