What causes pressure and pain at the center of the chest?
Patient: Yesterday I took one advil with some filtered water when I felt this incredible pressure in the middle of my chest. It felt tight and I couldn't stand up straight because it hurt so bad. Then after five minutes it subsided. I could barely catch my breath. About a couple of hours later,  I had mashed potatoes with cheese with my lunch and because the potatoes were a little warmer than usual  when I swallowed, I felt the heat of the potatoes become amplified  as it settled in what felt like a hole just below my breastbone in my chest. The spot or  hole made the potatoes feel as if they were hotter than they were before I ingested them  as if they were on fire. I never had the heat from food cause this before, usually I will get a severe chest freeze when I consume anything cold like ice cream or ice water  that causes the pressure thing where I am doubled over with excrutiating pain but this is the first time with something that was heated. What is going on? It actually feels as if I have a hole somewhere in the middle of my chest just above the zyphoid bone. Autumn from Spokane Doctor: Hi. I can understand your concern. Ideally ecg and 2d echo should be done first in your case. If both are normal than no need to worry for heart diseases. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can cause similar kind of chest pain. GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause central chest pain and nausea. You can take proton pump inhibitors. But along with drugs you need to follow certain below mentioned lifestyle modifications for better symptomatic relief. Avoid stress and tension. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. Quit smoking and alcohol if you have these habits. Go for walk after meals. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in the bed to prevent reflux. Loose weight if you are obeseDon't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.