What term describes severe chest pain that may radiate to the shoulders, neck, or jaw?

The term that describes severe chest pain that may radiate to the shoulders, neck, or jaw is angina pectoris. Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, often due to narrowed coronary arteries. The pain typically occurs during physical exertion or stress and can manifest as a pressure or squeezing in the chest, which may radiate to other areas like the shoulders, neck, or jaw.

Angina is a symptom of an underlying heart condition, often linked to coronary artery disease, and serves as a warning sign that the heart is not getting sufficient blood flow. Recognizing angina is crucial because it can indicate an increased risk for heart attacks or other serious cardiovascular events.

In contrast, a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, refers to the actual damage to heart muscle due to lack of blood supply. Cardiac arrest is a critical condition where the heart stops beating effectively, leading to loss of blood flow and immediate risk of death. While all these terms relate to heart health, angina specifically captures the nature of the chest pain described in the question.