In an epigastric (pronounced: eh-pih-GAS-trik) hernia, which is also called a ventral hernia, part of the intestines protrude through the abdominal muscles located between the belly button and the chest.It's mostly guys who have to worry about this type of hernia — about 75% of epigastric hernias occur in males.our doctor is checking you for a condition called a hernia. There are several types of hernias, and they don't just happen to guys — everyone from your baby sister to your grandfather can develop them. But learning to prevent hernias isn't hard to do.