I am female, 30 yrs. old and have been experiencing pain, both moderate and severe right by my sternum...wakes me up at night and suddently appears during the day. I do eat a lot of raw veg s and have been under a severe amount of stress the past month. I thought heartburn, but I get the pain whether I eat or not. A doctor told me last year that I may have an ulcer and gave me medicine for heartburn, but it still returns.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. By your history and description, possibility of HERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is more. But better to first rule out cardiac cause for your central chest pain. So get done ECG. If ECG is normal, then no need to worry about heart diseases. You are mostly having stress induced HERD. It is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms like central chest pain. So better to avoid stress and tension. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. Start proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic Chat Doctor.  Go for walk after meals. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in the bed to prevent reflux. Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.