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Stable angina is best defined as chest pain or discomfort that has a predictable pattern over time, which typically arises during physical exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. This predictable nature is essential for recognizing stable angina because patients often identify specific triggers that consistently provoke the symptoms.

In contrast, other definitions highlight characteristics of angina that do not align with the established pattern of stable angina. For instance, pain that occurs at rest characterizes unstable angina, which signals a change in the pattern and presents a higher risk for adverse cardiac events. Pain that increases in severity or is new can suggest a transition as well, indicating unstable angina or acute coronary syndrome, both of which carry different implications and require immediate medical assessment.

The distinct characteristic of predictability in stable angina helps both healthcare professionals in managing the condition and patients in recognizing and addressing their symptoms effectively.