Which condition is indicated by dull, intermittent chest pain that radiates to the left side of the jaw during physical exertion?

Dull, intermittent chest pain that radiates to the left side of the jaw during physical exertion is characteristic of angina pectoris. Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen, usually due to narrowing of the coronary arteries. This often results in a sensation of tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest, and can radiate to other areas, including the jaw, shoulders, back, or arms.

The description of the pain being triggered by physical exertion aligns well with typical angina symptoms, which may occur during activities that increase heart demand — such as exercise or stress — and tend to resolve with rest or the use of nitrates. Additionally, the nature of the pain as dull and intermittent further supports this condition, as angina pain can vary in intensity and duration.

Other potential options, while they involve chest pain or discomfort, do not fit the context as closely. For instance, a dissecting aortic aneurysm typically presents with sudden, severe, and sharp pain rather than dull, and it may not have a clear relation to exertion. Pneumonia and COPD could lead to chest discomfort as well but would more commonly be associated with respiratory symptoms like cough or shortness of breath rather