Im a male of what has been excellent health my entire life, now turning the corner to 33 years of age. I have been a smoker (pack a day) for 18 years as well. I have had a few instances lately in which I have felt unbearable pain in my chests center and it lasts for well over a minute usually. I do not experience any numbness but it incapacitates me to where I cannot talk and have some issues breathing correctly. After a few minutes things seem to clear up and I can resume daily tasks pretty much normally. Are there any phenomenons outside of heart attack that could be occuring?
With the history given it could be acid reflux or could also be related to smoking which might have affected your lungs. Hence, it would be advisable to consult a doctor as it could be a symptom of a COPD as well.