Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What type of angina can be triggered by physical exertion?

1. Stable angina

2. Unstable angina

3. Microvascular angina

4. Variant angina

The correct answer is: Stable angina

Stable angina is the type of angina that can be triggered by physical exertion. This occurs because physical activity increases the heart's demand for oxygen, and when the heart’s blood supply is insufficient to meet this demand—often due to narrowed arteries—a person experiences chest pain or discomfort. Stable angina typically has a pattern that is predictable; for instance, individuals may notice that the angina occurs during exercise or stressful situations and often subsides with rest or the use of medications like nitroglycerin. Other types of angina, such as unstable angina, occur unexpectedly and can happen at rest or with minimal exertion, often indicating a more serious underlying condition. Microvascular angina is related to issues with the small coronary arteries and may not necessarily be linked directly to exertion. Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is caused by temporary spasms of the coronary arteries and can occur at rest, usually triggered by stress or certain substances rather than physical exertion.