Chest pain

I am a 40 year old, overweight female, who has a stressful job.  Every couple of months, I experience a sharp pain in the left side of my chest.  This pain is very intense but only lasts for no more than 15 seconds.  There is no lingering pain or pain any where else in my chest.  It feels a little like a muscle spasm. Could this be an indication of a more serious heart condition or is it just a spasm that comes and goe?  I've had a EKG within the last 3 months and there were no serious abnormalities with that test.  My father has arrhythmia and also wears a pace maker and I wonder whether his condition can be hereditary.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear nancy,

Given your family history, i would discuss this condition further with your internist and /or cardiologist.  This may be significant.  unfortunately i cannot say in this forum.