There is no 10-second maneuver that can reliably stop a heart attack. Claims about forceful coughing, drinking water, or a special breathing technique are not substitutes for emergency treatment.
If you suspect a heart attack at home:
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Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to improve.
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Stop activity and sit or lie somewhere safe. If you’re alone, unlock the door if possible.
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If you have prescribed nitroglycerin, take it exactly as your clinician instructed.
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Ask the emergency dispatcher about aspirin. Aspirin may be appropriate for some suspected heart attacks, but isn’t safe for everyone.
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Don’t drive yourself. An ambulance can begin treatment while taking you to the hospital.
Possible symptoms include pressure or squeezing in the chest, pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or unusual weakness.
If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, call emergency services, start CPR, and use an AED if one is available.
If this is happening now, call emergency services immediately rather than trying a 10-second remedy.
