What is a common symptom of angina?

Chest pain is indeed a common symptom of angina. Angina is characterized by discomfort or pain in the chest that is typically caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This pain can often feel like pressure, squeezing, burning, or fullness and may radiate to other areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. Recognizing this symptom is crucial, as it signals the heart's need for more oxygen, often due to narrowed arteries.

While other symptoms like nausea, shortness of breath, and headaches can accompany angina or indicate other heart-related issues, chest pain remains the hallmark symptom and is primarily what distinguishes angina from other potential conditions. This understanding is vital for nursing assistants and other healthcare workers, as it helps them to assess patients effectively and respond appropriately in case of an angina episode.