Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

How do signs and symptoms of angina pectoris typically manifest?

1. Numbness in the extremities

2. Fatigue and muscle weakness

3. Dizziness and blurred vision

4. Cardiac chest pain and cool, clammy skin

The correct answer is: Cardiac chest pain and cool, clammy skin

The manifestation of angina pectoris is characterized primarily by cardiac chest pain, which can occur due to coronary artery disease and reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This pain is often described as a pressure, squeezing, or the sensation of fullness in the chest, typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. In conjunction with the chest pain, individuals experiencing angina may also exhibit cool, clammy skin as a response to the body's stress and the autonomic nervous system’s reaction to pain or decreased cardiac output. This symptom indicates that the body is directing blood away from the skin to supply essential organs, which can lead to perspiration and a chilliness of the skin. The other options reflect symptoms associated with different medical conditions but are not characteristic of angina. For example, numbness in the extremities might suggest peripheral vascular issues, while fatigue and muscle weakness could indicate other systemic problems. Dizziness and blurred vision can occur in many scenarios but are not the most common indicators of angina pectoris, which focuses on chest pain and related cardiac signs.