Unstable angina is an absolute contraindication to exercise. Which description best reflects this condition?

• A. Chest pain only during brisk walking.
• B. Chest pain occurs unpredictably or at rest.
• C. History of myocardial infarction but no current symptoms.
• D. Controlled blood pressure during exertion.

Answer: (B)

Unstable angina shows up as chest pain that is unpredictable and can occur at rest or with minimal exertion, signaling that the heart is experiencing an abrupt change in blood flow and a high risk of a heart attack. Because exercise can provoke or worsen this instability, it’s considered an absolute contraindication to exercise. The option that describes chest pain occurring unpredictably or at rest best fits unstable angina. By contrast, chest pain only during brisk walking points to stable angina, a history of MI with no current symptoms isn’t ongoing ischemia, and controlled blood pressure during exertion suggests a stable response rather than an active ischemic event.