What describes chest pain or discomfort caused by coronary heart disease?

Chest pain or discomfort caused by coronary heart disease is best described as angina pectoris. This condition occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Angina typically presents as pressure, squeezing, or a feeling of fullness in the chest, which can be accompanied by pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or arms. It often arises during physical exertion or stress, and it is a sign that the heart is temporarily not receiving sufficient oxygen.

Ischemia refers to insufficient blood supply to an organ or tissue, which is indeed a process that can lead to angina. However, it is a broader term that encompasses various causes of reduced blood flow, not specifically identifying the episodes of chest pain.

Atherosclerosis describes the build-up of plaques in the arterial walls that can lead to heart disease, but it is more about the gradual process that can cause coronary artery disease rather than the acute symptoms experienced, such as angina.

Myocardial infarction, often known as a heart attack, is a more severe condition resulting from a complete blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart, leading to damage or death of heart tissue. While it can cause chest pain,