Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which common symptom of angina pectoris occurs with physical activity?

1. Chest tightness

2. Heart palpitations

3. Persistent cough

4. Lightheadedness

The correct answer is: Chest tightness

Angina pectoris is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that typically arises during physical exertion or emotional stress due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. The most common symptom experienced by individuals with angina during physical activity is chest tightness. This sensation often varies in intensity and can be described as pressure, squeezing, or a feeling of fullness in the chest. The discomfort is usually relieved by rest or the use of nitroglycerin, which enhances blood flow to the heart and alleviates the oxygen deficit. While heart palpitations, persistent cough, and lightheadedness can also occur in various cardiac or respiratory conditions, they are not as directly associated with the exertional triggers that characterize angina pectoris. Heart palpitations may indicate arrhythmias or increased heart rate but do not specifically denote the ischemic nature of angina. A persistent cough could suggest pulmonary issues rather than angina, while lightheadedness is more nonspecific and could arise from a variety of underlying causes, including hypotension or dehydration. Therefore, chest tightness stands out as the hallmark symptom that aligns with the physical demands placed on the heart, exemplifying the relationship between exertion and angina.