Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which are common symptoms of angina pectoris?

1. Severe fatigue and coughing

2. Chest pain radiating with clammy skin

3. High fever and chills

4. Nausea and vomiting

The correct answer is: Chest pain radiating with clammy skin

Angina pectoris is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that often radiates to other areas, such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. This pain is typically linked to ischemia, or reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually as a result of coronary artery disease. Accompanying symptoms can include clammy skin, often due to the body's response to pain and stress, particularly during an angina attack. The presence of chest pain that radiates and clammy skin aligns with the physiological responses the body exhibits during an angina episode. The discomfort usually arises during physical exertion or stress and is often relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, which helps alleviate the strain on the heart. The other symptoms related to the other options do not specifically correlate with angina pectoris. For example, severe fatigue and coughing may indicate other conditions, such as respiratory issues or heart failure, while high fever and chills suggest an infectious or inflammatory process. Nausea and vomiting can be present in various conditions, but they are not defining characteristics of angina. Understanding the specific symptoms helps differentiate angina pectoris from other potential medical conditions.