What does the term 'angina pectoris' mean in Latin?

The term 'angina pectoris' has Latin roots, where "angina" translates to "strangled" or "constricted," and "pectoris" means "of the chest." Thus, the literal interpretation of the term relates closely to the experience of chest pain or discomfort that can feel as if the chest is being constricted or strangled. This perfectly encapsulates the sensation that many patients describe during an angina episode, which is often related to inadequate blood flow to the heart.

While other terms like "pain in the chest" and "chest pressure" capture elements of what a person might feel during an angina attack, they do not convey the underlying connotation of constriction or tightness that "strangled chest" does. Therefore, understanding the literal translation helps contextualize the symptoms and nature of angina pectoris in clinical practice.