I was dealing with precordial catch syndrome about every 6 months. Sharp pain in my chest making it difficult to breath usually causing a contraction of muscles coinciding with the heartbeat.

If you suffer from this type of pain please seek medical advice to be safe!

Unfortunately, it often started in the evening and got worse during the night, leaving me unable to sleep or even lay down.

I have a vivid memory of the first time it happened it came on strong during the night and was so painful that I was convinced that there was something seriously wrong.

Arriving at the emergency room I had swelling and inflammation in my chest, in hindsight this may have been acute inflammation from the strength training I did that day.

Nevertheless, the medical staff took it very seriously and I was admitted and put on an EKG.

Finally, I was released from the hospital after 2 days without any reasonable explanation of what may have happened. I did learn that I had an unusual heartbeat and blood work on day one but it normalized.

The bloodwork was off due to the strenuous workout and the unusual heartbeat may have been caused by the spasms in my chest, at least that was my explanation.

I was dealing with this for many years and sometimes the episodes lasted several days.

The often prescribed remedy of a hard exhale only worked once for me most of the time I would have to wait it out sometimes days.

Certainly not a good time.
It took me a while to realize that it had completely vanished when I adopted the Primal Life way of living.
I’m happy to report it has now been several years since the last episode.
What exactly causes it is still a mystery but I’m glad it disappeared.
Cheers,
Rob