"Cough CPR" Myth-Buster

Q: Is it true that people who are alone at the time of a heart attack can help themselves by coughing vigorously until help arrives?

A: Misinformation about “cough CPR” (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) has been widely circulated on the Internet. If you are alone and think you are having a heart attack, the best thing to do is to call 911. If you are driving alone and start having severe chest pain or discomfort that starts to spread to your arm and into your jaw, pull over and flag down another motorist for help. If you delay seeking help it could cost you your life.

The myth of cough CPR began because patients undergoing cardiac catheterization may develop arrhythmias—and in these circumstances, it is sometimes possible for a conscious person in a medical setting to cough forcefully enough until the arrhythmia disappears or is treated. In out-of-hospital situations, it is unlikely that cough CPR would be of any benefit.

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University. She’s also a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.