What is the most probable diagnosis for a patient experiencing chest tightness relieved by rest?

The diagnosis of angina pectoris is the most appropriate in this scenario due to the characteristic symptoms and their relationship to physical exertion and rest. Angina often presents as chest tightness or discomfort that arises during physical activity, stress, or emotional upset and typically resolves with rest or nitroglycerin use. This pattern is due to temporary ischemia of the heart muscle, often resulting from coronary artery disease.

In contrast, an acute myocardial infarction typically produces more severe and prolonged chest pain that does not necessarily improve with rest. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as sweating, nausea, and fatigue, and is an emergency situation requiring immediate medical intervention.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause chest discomfort but is more related to meals and positions rather than physical exertion; it often presents with heartburn or regurgitation rather than the classic pain pattern seen with angina.

Costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting a rib to the sternum, leads to localized chest pain that may worsen with specific movements or palpation rather than being tied to exertion or relieved by rest.

Thus, the classic presentation of chest tightness associated with exertion and relieved by rest aligns most closely with angina p