/
/
/
Which side of the body is the heart on, and why does chest pain sometimes feel different?
General Medicine
Question #5502
48 days ago
39

Which side of the body is the heart on, and why does chest pain sometimes feel different? - #5502

Anonymously

I’ve always thought that the heart is on the left side of the body, but recently, I’ve felt occasional discomfort in the center or even the right side of my chest. It made me wonder—where exactly is the heart located, and why does chest pain sometimes feel like it’s coming from different areas? Is the heart positioned slightly to the left, or is it more in the center of the chest? And why do some people experience referred pain in their shoulders, jaw, or back when they have a heart issue? Also, if someone is having a heart attack, is the pain always on the left side, or can it appear elsewhere? How do you distinguish between heart-related pain and something like acid reflux, muscle strain, or anxiety? For those who have had heart-related chest pain, what did it feel like, and how did you know it was serious enough to see a doctor?

Heart location
Chest pain
Heart attack symptoms
Left side pain
Referred pain
Cardiovascular health
Anxiety vs. heart pain
Question is closed

On the Ask Doctors service, online consultations with doctors for General Medicine are available for any issue that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and for free. Ask your question and get an answer right away!

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
48 days ago
The heart is located slightly to the left of the center of the chest, behind the breastbone, and toward the left side. However, it’s not perfectly on the left side; it sits in the middle, so pain from heart issues can sometimes feel like it’s coming from different areas of the chest. Referred pain, such as in the shoulder, jaw, or back, happens because the nerves from the heart and these areas overlap, causing your brain to misinterpret where the pain is coming from. When someone has a heart attack, the pain doesn’t always stay on the left side; it can be felt in various places, including the center of the chest, both sides, and radiate to the arms, neck, or back. It’s important to take chest pain seriously, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea. To distinguish between heart-related pain and other causes like acid reflux, muscle strain, or anxiety, it’s helpful to pay attention to the type of pain (sharp vs. pressure-like), any associated symptoms, and how long it lasts. If you’re ever unsure or if the pain is severe or persistent, don’t hesitate to see a doctor right away.
Accepted response

0 replies

If you need a detailed answer, ask your question to a doctor

A doctor will answer all of your questions, advise you what to do now to get better, what to do in the future, what best treatments and practices should be followed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service.


Related questions