spam or heart attack?

I am a very healthy 65 year old woman.  On occasion I experience an intense pain in the region of the sternum.  It generally lasts for about 15 minutes.  It is always of the same intensity and not related to eating.  When it occurs, I am always fearful that it may be related to a heart paroblem.  I am particularly concerned because I know that a woman's heart sympotoms may differ significantly from the usual pciture of heart pain.  When I describe it to my physician, he always suggest an EKG or says it may be an acid-reflux condition.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

If there is concern about the heart, a stress test with and echocardiogram should be considered.

There are a variety of GI causes to consider.  This can include GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation.

An upper endoscopy would be the most comprehensive test to exclude these possibilities.

If negative, an abdominal ultrasound can be done as well.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com