Final answer:
Diffuse esophageal spasm (hypertensive peristalsis) differs from angina in origin but can cause similar chest pain, extending to other areas like the back and jaw. Angina is due to inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition described, characterized by very strong peristaltic waves that lead to radiating chest pain that can extend to the back, ears, neck, jaw, or arms, is known as diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), also called hypertensive peristalsis. This is contrasted with angina, which refers to chest pain or pressure that occurs when heart muscle cells do not receive adequate blood flow and become starved of oxygen. Both conditions can cause similar chest pain, but they have different origins: angina is related to heart function and blood flow, while DES is related to abnormal contractions of the esophagus. Treatment for angina aims to relieve symptoms and slow down the progression of atherosclerosis, which is often the underlying cause of reduced blood flow to the heart.