Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) Practice Test 2025 - Free CCRP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Stable angina is characterized by predictable patterns of chest pain or discomfort that occur in response to specific triggers, primarily physical activity or emotional stress. When a person engages in exertion or experiences heightened emotional states, the heart demands more oxygen than the coronary arteries can supply, leading to angina symptoms. The predictability of the onset is a hallmark of stable angina, as these episodes typically occur under similar circumstances and can often be relieved by rest or the use of nitroglycerin.

In contrast, unstable angina, which is not described by this answer, can occur unpredictably, including at rest, and may indicate a higher risk of future cardiac events. Episodes of stable angina do not typically last longer than 20 minutes; rather, they are generally transient. While stable angina does require management and treatment to minimize symptoms and address underlying cardiovascular risks, it does not necessitate immediate medical intervention in the acute sense that unstable angina or a myocardial infarction would.