Abstract: A chest protector for protecting the wearer from commotio-cortis. A snug-fitting garment, which avoids creating bulk or restricting movement, includes a pocket over the cardiac region of the chest. The pocket holds a protective pad. The pad has at least one layer of a visco-elastic polymer. The pad also may include another layer of the visco-elastic polymer, or foam, sandwiching therebetween a rigid plastic layer. Each layer may include either one sheet or more than one sheet. The visco-elastic polymer receives impact energy, converts a portion of the impact energy to heat, and dissipates the heat.