If you’re referring to the viral “do this in 10 seconds” claim, the important correction is: there is no 10-second trick that can stop or reverse a heart attack. In particular, the social-media advice to repeatedly cough hard (“cough CPR”) is not recommended and has no evidence that it treats a heart attack. www.heart.org
What to do instead
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Call your local emergency medical service immediately if you have symptoms such as chest pressure/pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Don’t wait to see if it goes away. www.heart.org+1
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Sit down and rest while waiting for help; avoid exertion. www.heart.org
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Don’t drive yourself to the hospital. EMS can begin care during transport. www.heart.org
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Aspirin may be appropriate for some adults with suspected heart attack, but it should not delay the emergency call. Current first-aid guidance allows an alert adult with non-traumatic chest pain to chew 162–325 mg aspirin unless they have an aspirin allergy or have been told by a healthcare professional not to take it. If there’s uncertainty, waiting for EMS is reasonable. cpr.heart.org+1
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If the person collapses and isn’t breathing normally, this may be cardiac arrest rather than simply a heart attack. Start CPR and use an AED if available while emergency help is being summoned. www.heart.org
If someone is having these symptoms right now, call emergency services now rather than trying a home remedy.
