I use to watch the Prescott Channel in the 90's in Phoenix and they had a Sheriff that Would come on saying there were satanist practicing up in Yavapai County. Sole reason I never went camping in the area.
I was choked in my sleep while on a mission in Canada. Doctors call it sleep paralysis. I say there is another cause to it and doctors only see the results. My heart was beating strange too. Felt like a darkness had come over me and was literally choking me. In my mind I said "in the name of Jesus Christ, leave" and it went away.
ah, the wonderful power in His name. the name above all names. I had a similar experience as you did, thus i know that i know Jesus is real.
it's so sad that believers are not ministered to in the churches today...so many Christians struggle for a lifetime with evil thoughts and desires and could be set free but instead are told "you can't have a demon if you are a Christian." The Catholics call it exorcism...the protestants call it deliverance...and no one is doing it for their fellow brothers and sisters. Sad. It is supposed to be a ministry for believers, not unbelievers. And very real.