❤️ Is the Heart on the Left Side or in the Center?

More specifically, the heart:

• Sits behind the breastbone (sternum)
• Lies between the lungs
• Extends slightly to the left side
• Is positioned above the diaphragm
• Tilts so that more of it lies on the left half of the chest

This is why the heartbeat is usually felt more clearly on the left side.

Why People Think the Heart Is on the Left

The heart is not fully on the left, but it leans leftward.

Because the strongest heartbeat is felt on the left side of the chest, people often assume the entire heart is located there. In reality, only about two-thirds of the heart lies left of the body's midline.

Does the Heart Move?

The heart does not move around the chest, but it does shift slightly with:

• Breathing
• Body position
• Physical activity

These small movements can change where sensations are felt, adding to confusion about its exact location.

Chest Pain vs. Heart Pain

Not all chest discomfort comes from the heart.

Muscles, ribs, lungs, and digestion can all cause chest sensations. Heart-related pain is more likely to involve:

• Pressure or tightness in the center or left chest
• Pain spreading to the left arm, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath or dizziness

Shape and Position

The heart is shaped like a tilted cone:

• The wider base sits higher in the chest
• The pointed tip (apex) angles down and to the left

This tilt explains why the heart is often described as being "on the left," even though it sits mostly in the center.