Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What can trigger angina pectoris?

1. Excessive fluid intake

2. Decreased oxygen supply to the heart

3. Overuse of medications

4. Fast-paced activities

The correct answer is: Decreased oxygen supply to the heart

Angina pectoris is a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. The correct answer highlights that a decreased oxygen supply to the heart is a significant trigger for angina. This can occur due to various factors, such as blockages in the coronary arteries, which restrict blood flow, or increased demand for oxygen by the heart during physical exertion or stress. In circumstances where the heart's oxygen supply is compromised—either by physical exertion or even emotional stress—angina can manifest as the heart struggles to meet its oxygen demands. This physiological response to decreased oxygen supply is a key aspect of understanding the condition and recognizing potential angina triggers. These other options do not directly implicate a reduction in oxygen delivery to the heart. For example, while excessive fluid intake might lead to other cardiovascular problems such as edema, and fast-paced activities can contribute to increased heart demand, they do not inherently cause a decrease in the oxygen supply. Overuse of medications can lead to various complications but is not directly linked to the fundamental mechanism of oxygen supply reduction that triggers angina.