Which chest pain characteristic is more associated with angina rather than myocardial infarction?

The characteristic most associated with angina rather than myocardial infarction is pain that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Angina pectoris typically occurs when the heart muscle temporarily doesn't receive enough oxygen, often triggered by exertion or stress, and the pain typically resolves with rest or the administration of nitroglycerin, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow.

In contrast, myocardial infarction generally involves more prolonged and severe chest pain that does not subside with rest or nitroglycerin. This pain is often indicative of irreversible damage to the heart muscle due to a prolonged lack of blood flow. Therefore, the ability for patient symptoms to improve significantly with rest or nitroglycerin is a defining characteristic of angina, distinguishing it from the symptoms associated with a heart attack.