Final answer:
A building contractor experiencing chest pain that subsides with rest is likely showing symptoms of angina pectoris, which is associated with inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle and may indicate coronary heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
A building contractor experiencing diffuse chest pain that lasts for several minutes and disappears with rest, under the pressure of meeting a job deadline, should be suspected of having angina pectoris. This condition is characterized by chest pain or pressure that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive adequate blood flow and becomes starved of oxygen. Angina can indicate underlying coronary heart disease, where a partial blockage of the coronary arteries by plaque buildup restricts oxygen to the heart muscle. Symptoms may include pain in the back, neck, shoulders, or jaw, often accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. The contractor's pain subsiding with rest is indicative of stable angina, which typically occurs with exertion and improves with rest or medication. However, any chest pain should be treated as a potential medical emergency, and a healthcare provider should evaluate the individual.