Prepare for the Home Health Aide Exam. Use flashcards and a variety of multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Be fully prepared to excel in your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the medical term for chest pain, pressure, or discomfort?

  1. Cardiac arrest

  2. Angina pectoris

  3. Heart attack

  4. Arrhythmia

The correct answer is: Angina pectoris

The correct term for chest pain, pressure, or discomfort is angina pectoris. Angina pectoris specifically refers to the sensation of pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This condition can be triggered by physical activity, stress, or other factors that increase the heart's demand for oxygen. Angina is often described as a feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or nausea. Understanding this term is crucial for home health aides, as they may encounter patients experiencing angina and need to recognize the signs and respond appropriately. Recognizing angina is vital because, while it can be a warning sign of more severe cardiac conditions, such as a heart attack, it is distinct from other heart-related issues like cardiac arrest, which is an emergency situation where the heart stops beating entirely, or arrhythmia, which refers to irregular heartbeat. Knowing the specific terminology related to cardiovascular health helps home health aides communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and provide better care for patients experiencing these symptoms.