If you’re referring to the viral “10-second trick” for surviving a heart attack at home, be careful: there is no breathing, coughing, drinking, or movement technique proven to stop a heart attack in 10 seconds. Claims about “cough CPR” are misleading and can delay lifesaving treatment.
If you think you’re having a heart attack
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Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t drive yourself if an ambulance is available.
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Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie somewhere safe.
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If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, use it exactly as instructed.
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Aspirin may be appropriate for some adults with suspected heart attack, but only if emergency professionals advise it or you already have clear medical instructions to take it. Don’t take it if you’re allergic, have been told to avoid it, or have certain bleeding conditions.
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If you become unconscious and aren’t breathing normally, someone nearby should begin CPR and use an AED if available.
Typical warning symptoms include pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest, pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or unexplained weakness. Symptoms can be different in women and older adults.
Don’t wait 10 seconds—or any amount of time—to see whether symptoms disappear. Getting emergency treatment quickly is what saves lives.
