What is angina pectoris?

• A. Chest pain due to hypoxia in the heart, often caused by CAD
• B. Chest pain due to muscle strain
• C. Shortness of breath without chest pain
• D. Nausea without chest pain

Answer: (A)

Angina pectoris is chest discomfort caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. This happens when the coronary arteries are narrowed, usually from atherosclerosis, so during exertion or stress the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen. The pain is typically a pressure, squeezing, or discomfort in the chest that may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back, and it’s usually relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. This distinguishes it from chest pain due to muscle strain (which is localized and related to movement), shortness of breath without chest pain, or nausea without chest pain.