Characteristics of Angina. Angina is characterized by a squeezing feeling in the chest. The pressure and discomfort is usually felt deep within the chest and it may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder or back. The sensation may feel like a heavy weight pressing down or a strangulation of the chest area.he characteristics of angina are very similar to those of a heart attack — chest pain that may radiate, trouble breathing, anxiety, faintness, sweating and nausea.