"Precordial catch": a benign syndrome of chest pain in young persons.

A common syndrome of brief, sharp, severe precordial pain in 45 healthy young persons is described. The pain occurs at variable intervals, out of the blue. It typically occurs during rest or very mild activity and never on exertion. The onset is usually in adolescence. Most patients were of light or medium build, were nonsmokers and essentially healthy. It affects males and females. Recognition of the syndrome of precordial catch and reassurance of its benign nature will allay anxiety.