If this is referring to a viral “10-second heart attack trick,” be careful: there is no maneuver that can reliably stop a heart attack in 10 seconds. The safest response is to get emergency medical help immediately.
❤️ If you think you’re having a heart attack
Call your local emergency number immediately. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital if an ambulance is available.
Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down somewhere safe. Keep the door accessible if you’re alone.
If you have prescribed nitroglycerin, use it exactly as instructed.
Ask about aspirin: If you’re an alert adult with suspected heart attack and aren’t allergic to aspirin, don’t have active bleeding, and haven’t been told to avoid it, emergency dispatchers or medical professionals may advise chewing aspirin while waiting. Follow their instructions.
If you become unresponsive and aren’t breathing normally, someone should begin CPR and use an AED if available.
🚨 Don’t wait for “classic” symptoms
A heart attack can cause pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest, but it may also cause shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, unusual weakness, or pain in the arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen. Symptoms can be less typical in women and older adults.
Do not rely on coughing, drinking water, breathing exercises, striking your chest, or any other 10-second internet trick. These don’t replace emergency treatment.
If you’re asking because you or someone with you is having these symptoms right now, call emergency services now rather than continuing to read.
