Which symptom could indicate worsening angina and requires immediate attention?

Chest pain at rest is a critical symptom that indicates the potential for worsening angina and requires immediate attention. Unlike pain or discomfort that occurs with exertion, chest pain at rest signifies a more severe level of myocardial ischemia, suggesting that the heart muscle is not receiving sufficient oxygenated blood even when the body is at rest. This condition can be indicative of unstable angina or an impending myocardial infarction, both of which are serious manifestations requiring prompt evaluation and intervention.

The other symptoms listed—headache, fatigue, and nausea—while they can be associated with cardiovascular issues, do not specifically indicate the immediate danger that chest pain at rest does. Headaches can arise from various causes and are not a direct indicator of angina. Fatigue may also result from numerous factors and is not necessarily an acute warning sign of worsening cardiac function. Nausea can accompany angina episodes but does not have the same urgency as chest pain occurring when at rest. Therefore, recognizing chest pain at rest as a red flag for serious heart-related conditions is crucial for timely medical response.