How might someone describe the sensation of angina?

When describing the sensation of angina, the correct choice highlights that individuals commonly report a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest during an angina episode. This sensation is often characterized as pressure or discomfort, which can radiate to other areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It is essentially the result of reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, leading to ischemia, and this discomfort typically arises during physical exertion or emotional stress.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary sensory experience associated with angina. Severe headache, nausea, dizziness, and extreme fatigue may accompany other medical conditions but are not hallmark sensations of angina. Instead, focusing on the specific and typical chest discomfort helps differentiate angina from other potential cardiac or non-cardiac symptoms. Understanding this symptom is crucial for accurate identification and management of potential coronary heart disease.