27/11/2025
This old chestnut keeps popping up and seems to be doing the rounds on facebook. IT'S FALSE.
The only treatment for a heart attack is hospital care and treatment
There's lots of post about cough CPR to save yourself during a heart attack
This is one of those posts that looks helpful — but it contains dangerous and outdated information that could cost a life, not save one.
Let’s be absolutely clear:
❌ “Cough CPR” is NOT a treatment for heart attack
Coughing repeatedly to keep yourself alive during a heart attack is a myth, and every modern clinical guideline warns against it.
Cough CPR is ONLY used in a hospital, under medical supervision, when a patient is already on a monitor and a clinician is managing an arrhythmia — not for someone sitting alone in a car or at home with chest pain.
Sharing incorrect medical advice with good intentions is still harmful.
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What is true and important to know:
🔥 Heart attack symptoms can vary between individuals
Chest pain, radiating arm/jaw pain, sudden sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, back discomfort — especially in women — are all recognised signs.
If you think you are having a heart attack:
✔️ The correct response is simple and medically supported:
1. Stop what you are doing immediately.
2. Call Emergency Services (999 in the UK)
Do not attempt to drive yourself.
3. If advised and appropriate, chew one 300mg aspirin unless allergic or contraindicated.
4. Unlock your door, stay calm, stay still, wait for help to arrive.
5. If you collapse and stop breathing — that’s when CPR is required, not coughing.
Early recognition + early access to emergency care saves lives.
Not cough-CPR. Not myths. Not chain-shares.
