What does the term "angina pectoris" refer to?

The term "angina pectoris" specifically refers to chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen, typically due to narrowed coronary arteries or coronary artery disease. This insufficient blood flow leads to the characteristic pain or discomfort in the chest, which may also radiate to other areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. The distinction is crucial because angina is often a symptom of an underlying heart problem and can indicate a higher risk of heart attack or other serious cardiac events.

Other choices pertain to symptoms that do not accurately define angina. Pain in the arm or abdomen, while potentially related to cardiac issues, does not encompass the specific concept of angina pectoris, which is fundamentally about chest discomfort resulting from heart-related problems. Likewise, pain resulting from heart failure is a separate condition, as heart failure itself involves the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to other symptoms beyond angina. Understanding this definition helps in recognizing angina as a critical signal of heart health and the need for further evaluation.