Agree with Nancy. After recently reading The Clot Thickens by Malcolm Kendrick, I understand that proton pump inhibitors can cause lasting damage, especially in the endothelium of arteries where plaque forms. Although Pepcid is not a PPI, I'm very suspicious about taking any pill for acid reflux. I eat a lot of protein, and occasionally get reflux. When I stopped drinking coffee (that may be just me), my reflux diminished and became very manageable. In the infrequent times I get it, half teaspoon of baking soda mixed in water does the trick.

Bawdy, you're very knowledgeable about this, but the old saw applies that an elimination approach may uncover what's causing this. I think, like Nancy, some dairy causes it for me, but I haven't gone that far to experiment. Good luck.