Medical Warning Regarding Internet Advice on Coughing During Heart Attacks

Medical experts are warning against a viral internet claim suggesting that forceful coughing can help treat a heart attack. The American Heart Association does not recommend ‘cough CPR’ as a self-help method.

Experts clarify that coughing does not resolve the underlying cause of a heart attack, which is a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. The advice often confuses a heart attack with cardiac arrest; while doctors may occasionally ask a conscious patient to cough during specific rhythm disturbances under hospital supervision, this is not a substitute for emergency medical care.

Attempting to self-treat through coughing can lead to dangerous delays in calling emergency services. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pressure, pain radiating to the arms, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.