AEMCA Practice Exam

How is unstable angina characterized?

1. Chest pain that resolves immediately with rest

2. Severe chest pain at rest that does not improve with rest or medication

3. Chest pain only present during sleep

4. Mild discomfort felt only in the arms

The correct answer is: Severe chest pain at rest that does not improve with rest or medication

Unstable angina is characterized by severe chest pain or discomfort that occurs at rest or with minimal physical activity and does not improve significantly with rest or medications such as nitroglycerin. This presentation indicates a potential worsening of coronary artery disease and suggests that the heart is not receiving adequate blood supply, which can lead to serious complications like a heart attack. The significant point about unstable angina is its unpredictable nature; it can occur at any time, including while resting or sleeping, and is often more intense than stable angina that occurs with exertion and resolves with rest. This description clarifies why the option highlighting severe chest pain at rest is correct, as it reflects the acute and concerning nature of unstable angina. In contrast, chest pain that resolves immediately with rest typically describes stable angina, while chest pain only present during sleep may relate to other conditions, such as Prinzmetal angina. Mild discomfort felt only in the arms does not adequately describe the severe nature of angina and therefore does not align with the accepted characterization of unstable angina.