Your heart has been checked; the pain most likely comes from the oesophagus, either from acid or from an over-sensitive oesophagus. The pain is real and treatable.

• Lose excess weight, leave 3 hours between your last meal and lying down, raise the head of the bed if symptoms are at night, and stop smoking Proven
• Avoid very cold or very hot drinks and large, quickly swallowed mouthfuls; these can trigger oesophageal spasm in some people May help
• Very spicy food (chilli) increases pain in people with a sensitive oesophagus; reduce it if you notice this May help
• Slow belly breathing during an episode and daily reduces pain and the anxiety that comes with it May help
• Cognitive behavioural therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy helped in clinical trials Proven; this does not mean the pain is "in your head".
• Peppermint oil capsules before meals eased oesophageal spasm in small studies May help, but can worsen heartburn; use only if your doctor advises.
• Sipping warm water during an episode may relax the oesophagus Traditional