In Which Area Is Chest Pain Typically Felt During a Heart Attack?

A heart attack commonly causes pain in the chest's central (or midline) area, especially around the center where the heart is located. This area is called the substernal region. The pain can feel heavy, tight or pressure-like. Many people also notice that the pain moves or spreads to other parts of the body. It may travel to the left shoulder, left arm, and sometimes to the neck and jaw. In some cases, the pain may also go to the back. The spreading of pain happens because the nerves in the heart also connect to these nearby areas, so the brain might sometimes mix up where the pain is coming from. Remember, chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, and if someone experiences chest pain, even without other symptoms, it is important to seek help quickly.