Which statement best defines angina?

Which statement best defines angina?

• A. The heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow.
• B. A portion of the heart muscle dies from lack of oxygen.
• C. The heart's pumping ability is compromised causing fluid buildup.
• D. The heart stops beating.

Answer: (A)

Angina is chest discomfort caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen because the coronary blood flow is reduced. This happens when arteries are narrowed (often from atherosclerosis) and can't meet the heart’s increased oxygen demand during activity or stress. The resulting ischemia is usually temporary and reversible, which is why rest or nitroglycerin often relieves the symptoms. This differs from a heart attack, where prolonged ischemia leads to death of heart tissue; from heart failure, where the heart’s pumping ability is impaired and fluids can back up; and from cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating.

Angina is chest discomfort caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen because the coronary blood flow is reduced. This happens when arteries are narrowed (often from atherosclerosis) and can't meet the heart’s increased oxygen demand during activity or stress. The resulting ischemia is usually temporary and reversible, which is why rest or nitroglycerin often relieves the symptoms.

This differs from a heart attack, where prolonged ischemia leads to death of heart tissue; from heart failure, where the heart’s pumping ability is impaired and fluids can back up; and from cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating.