If you’re referring to the viral “10-second trick that can save you during a heart attack”, be very cautious. There is no breathing, coughing, drinking, or physical maneuver that can reliably stop a heart attack in 10 seconds. Claims about repeatedly coughing hard (“cough CPR”) are particularly misleading and are not recommended for someone having a heart attack.
🚨 What to actually do
If you think you’re having a heart attack:
- Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t wait to see whether it goes away.
- Sit down and rest while waiting for help; avoid exertion.
- Unlock the door and, if possible, have someone stay with you.
- If you’ve been prescribed nitroglycerin, use it exactly as instructed.
- Aspirin may be appropriate for some adults, but only if emergency medical professionals advise it and you aren’t allergic, actively bleeding, or otherwise told not to take it.
- If you become unconscious and aren’t breathing normally, someone nearby should call emergency services and begin CPR, using an AED if one is available.
Don’t drive yourself
Emergency medical teams can begin treatment on the way to the hospital. Driving yourself can also put you and others at risk if you suddenly lose consciousness.
Chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder should be treated as a possible heart attack. Even if symptoms are mild or disappear, urgent assessment is important.
If this is happening right now, don’t spend time reading further—call your local emergency service now.
