There is no 10-second trick that can reliably stop a heart attack. Viral posts sometimes claim that vigorous coughing, drinking water, or performing a particular breathing technique can “save your life,” but these are not substitutes for emergency treatment.
If you think you’re having a heart attack:
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Call your local emergency medical service immediately. Don’t wait to see whether the pain goes away.
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Stop what you’re doing and sit or lie in a comfortable position. Keep the door unlocked if you’re alone.
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If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, use it exactly as previously instructed.
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Ask the emergency dispatcher whether you should take aspirin. Aspirin can be appropriate for some suspected heart attacks, but it isn’t safe for everyone—for example, people with certain allergies or bleeding problems.
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Don’t drive yourself to the hospital. An ambulance can begin treatment on the way.
Typical heart-attack symptoms include pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest, sometimes spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen. Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or unusual weakness can also occur.
If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, call emergency services and begin CPR; use an AED if one is available.
If this is happening to you right now, call emergency services now rather than trying a 10-second remedy.
