There was a discussion of this 25 yr old guy who died where I work from supposedly GERD or acid working it's way through his esophogus and into his heart causing an aneurism killing him instantly.

I know for a fact he died of something heart related and that was the reason that I heard.

Is this realistic or just highly unlikely?

I think this is not likely because long before you have heart problems from GERD -- your esophagus would cause alot of pain.

Also, anuriums are caused by weakened blood vessel walls -- usually lack of copper.
It use to not be a problems when we used copper pipes -- but now houses are piped with PVC (plastic) pipes. THese days anurisms are increasing. It is a very important trace mineral we all need!!

Harry