NREMT Paramedic Practice

What triggers angina pectoris symptoms?

1. Extreme fatigue

2. Activity followed by rest

3. Rapid heart rate

4. Cold weather

The correct answer is: Activity followed by rest

Angina pectoris, characterized by chest pain or discomfort, is primarily triggered by increased myocardial oxygen demand that exceeds supply. Activities that raise the heart's workload—such as physical exertion or emotional stress—serve as common triggers for angina symptoms. When a person engages in activity followed by a period of rest, they may experience angina due to the increased demand on the heart during that activity. The rest phase often alleviates the symptoms because it reduces the workload and oxygen demand of the heart, allowing it to recover. While extreme fatigue, rapid heart rate, and cold weather can influence heart function and overall cardiovascular health, they are less directly linked to the specific mechanism of angina compared to the effects of physical activity and rest. Ultimately, the key factor in triggering angina is the imbalance between the heart's oxygen needs during exertion and its ability to supply that oxygen, which aligns with the scenario described in the correct answer.