“Cough CPR:” Urban Myth

Every year, usually in February---American Heart Month---the Internet urban legend or myth called “Cough CPR” circulates. The message suggests that someone having a “heart attack” (myocardial infarction) can save his or her own life by coughing and terminating a life-threatening abnormal cardiac rhythm. Unfortunately, this is just not true.

This myth likely got its start from two sources: 1) during cardiac catheterization under extremely controlled conditions, a physician-directed cough may stop an arrhythmia brought on by the catheter in the heart; 2) people with atrial (not ventricular) arrhythmias which are benign and not usually occurring during a heart attack sometimes are able to break the abnormal rhythm by coughing (or performing any of a variety of physical maneuvers that send signals back to the heart, such as straining).

The most important steps in responding to the symptoms of a heart attack (crushing and often radiating chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating) are to call 9-1-1 or shout for someone to do so; crush an aspirin in the mouth and swallow it; stay in place until help arrives (if driving, pull over---immediately). Recognizing one’s own abnormal heart rhythm is nearly impossible, much less terminating it by coughing. In addition, someone with a heart attack induced arrhythmia usually loses consciousness immediately; an unconscious person can not voluntarily cough.

The Internet is a very useful tool to which most people now have access, but remember: there are many, many pieces of information out there that just have no validity. Be sure to check with recognized experts, agencies, or organizations such as the American Heart Association when something sounds too good (or strange) to be true. Usually it is.   

For more information, contact Health Education at 376-3939 or Risk Communication at 372-0407