What best describes stable angina?

Stable angina is characterized by a predictable pattern of chest pain that occurs when there is a consistent increase in myocardial oxygen demand, such as during physical exertion or stress. The key features of stable angina include its reproducibility; patients often report that the angina occurs after a specific level of exertion or stress. This means that the episodes can typically be anticipated based on the individual’s activity level.

Additionally, stable angina is relieved by rest or by the use of nitroglycerin, which is a vasodilator that reduces the heart's workload and increases blood flow to the myocardium. This relief mechanism is crucial because it demonstrates the nature of the angina as being primarily related to cardiac oxygen supply and demand imbalance rather than being indicative of acute coronary syndrome.

The other options describe conditions that do not align with the characteristics of stable angina. For instance, episodes of increased frequency or occurring with less exercise would suggest a worsening condition, potentially leading to unstable angina or myocardial infarction. Angina caused by a spasm of the coronary arteries would categorize it as variant (Prinzmetal's) angina rather than the stable form. Lastly, the presence of serum biomarkers of myocardial necrosis indicates tissue damage and would be associated