James,

Thanks for your question.  It sounds like you have your hands full right now. 

Though your discomfort is not typical for cardiac pain, this is still a possibility and needs to be evaluated.  Other causes include: lung or lining of the lung cavity; gastrointestinal such as esophageal reflux, esophagitis, ulcer disease; and, muscular sources. 

With all your medical issues, you should call for an appointment with your physician to have this checked out.  He will ask you more questions, as well as examining you and performing an electrocardiogram.  If there is still a question, he might request further studies that could include a Chest X-ray, blood work, and possibly a stress test. 

With your COPD, smoking cessation is a must.  Please review our Smoking Cessation site for suggestions on the best method for you.  Also, discuss this with your physician, who might recommend medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms.  Cutting  back on the alcohol to no more than two drinks per day is another suggestion.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.