Angina pectoris, an JY nuh PEHK tuhr ihs, is chest discomfort or pain that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is limited. The word angina means to strangle, and angina pectoris feels like a pressing or squeezing sensation in the area of the breastbone. The pain may travel to the shoulders, especially the left shoulder, and down the arms. The pain is usually called simply angina.