Which of the following is NOT a symptom of stable angina?

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of stable angina?

• A. Chest discomfort during exertion
• B. Shortness of breath
• C. Severe pain at rest
• D. Fatigue with physical activity

Answer: (C)

Stable angina is characterized by predictable episodes of chest discomfort that typically occur with exertion or stress and are relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. The correct answer, which identifies a symptom that does not align with the presentations associated with stable angina, is severe pain at rest. In stable angina, while patients may experience symptoms like chest discomfort during exertion, shortness of breath, and fatigue when physically active, these symptoms tend to resolve with rest or the use of sublingual nitroglycerin. In contrast, severe pain at rest can be indicative of unstable angina or other acute coronary syndromes, which require immediate medical evaluation as they suggest a more serious condition that is not characteristic of stable angina.

Stable angina is characterized by predictable episodes of chest discomfort that typically occur with exertion or stress and are relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. The correct answer, which identifies a symptom that does not align with the presentations associated with stable angina, is severe pain at rest. In stable angina, while patients may experience symptoms like chest discomfort during exertion, shortness of breath, and fatigue when physically active, these symptoms tend to resolve with rest or the use of sublingual nitroglycerin. In contrast, severe pain at rest can be indicative of unstable angina or other acute coronary syndromes, which require immediate medical evaluation as they suggest a more serious condition that is not characteristic of stable angina.