How does radiating pain present during a heart attack?

During a heart attack, pain typically starts in the center of the chest. This pain often feels like heavy pressure or squeezing—an intense, uncomfortable sensation. When the heart isn't getting enough blood and oxygen, the pain can spread or "radiate" to other areas. Most commonly, it extends to the left arm and shoulder, but it may also reach the neck, back, or jaw. This spreading pain occurs because the nerves from the heart and these other areas share the same pathways. When these nerve signals overlap, the brain may interpret the pain as coming from one location or multiple areas simultaneously. Radiating pain during a heart attack is a potential signal of an emergency, so it is important to seek help quickly if you or someone else experiences this type of pain. If you're experiencing chest discomfort or radiating pain and want to better understand your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker before seeking emergency care.