Louise,

These symptoms are most commonly caused by severe heartburn which is reflux of stomach juice into the esophagus causing irritation and pain.  However, they could also be caused by heart disease.  Chest pain can be difficult to diagnose because of many other possible causes other than the heart.  Another factor to keep in mind is women tend to manifest symptoms of heart disease in many more ways than males.

To be safe, you should make an appointment to see your physician to have this evaluated.  If his conclusion is typical heartburn/reflux, there is easy and effective treatment.  Should he suspect heart disease, then further testing will be required.

Best wishes and feel better.

Martin Cane, M.D.