Which of the following characterizes stable angina?

Stable angina is characterized by episodes of chest pain or discomfort that generally occur with physical exertion or emotional stress and are relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The underlying cause of stable angina is often due to atherosclerosis, where at least one artery has narrowing, limiting blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle during increased demand.

This narrowing of the artery leads to predictable patterns of chest pain, which is consistent with stable angina. The condition is typically stable, meaning patients can anticipate when an episode may occur based on their activities.

Other options describe conditions or symptoms related to angina and heart issues but do not define stable angina accurately. Severe chest pain at rest points more towards unstable angina or a heart attack, while multiple arteries with significant blockage indicate a more severe condition than what is typically seen in stable angina. Sudden onset of chest pain during rest aligns more closely with unstable angina or other acute cardiac conditions.