A chest pad that significantly reduces the occurrence of commotio cordis among athletes is disclosed. The chest pad may be utilized as a stand-alone chest protector intended to provide coverage primarily for the upper chest wall and the cardiac area. The chest pad may also be implanted into or utilized in traditional chest protectors that provide full coverage of the user's torso. The chest pad provides additional protection to the heart of the wearer such that impact in the heart area with a projectile is absorbed by the chest pad.