AEMCA Practice Exam

What defines stable angina?

1. Chest pain occurs at rest and does not subside

2. Chest pain that occurs with minimal exertion but resolves with rest

3. Chest pain that intensifies over days

4. Continuous chest pain for over 30 minutes

The correct answer is: Chest pain that occurs with minimal exertion but resolves with rest

Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain or discomfort typically triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, or other identifiable factors, and it usually resolves with rest or the use of nitroglycerin. The key feature of stable angina is that the pain occurs in a consistent manner, allowing patients to anticipate when it may happen and to take appropriate measures to alleviate it. Option B accurately reflects this definition as it describes chest pain that occurs with minimal exertion but resolves with rest, illustrating the predictable nature of stable angina. This differs from unstable angina, where pain may occur at rest, is more severe, or doesn't subside promptly, which would not be characteristic of stable angina. Understanding this concept is crucial for distinguishing stable angina from other types of angina or cardiac events, as management strategies can vary significantly based on the type and nature of the chest pain experienced by the patient.