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For years, misinformation has circulated on social media claiming that forceful coughing—dubbed “cough CPR”—can help save someone experiencing a heart attack. However, health experts are quick to debunk this myth, warning that “cough CPR” is ineffective and could delay life-saving medical treatment.
“Anytime anyone is having chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, get to a hospital. Calling 911 is the safest way to get to a hospital for chest pain,” said Dr. Bryn Elissa Mumma, a professor of emergency medicine at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, California.
Understanding the Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
The term “cough CPR” itself is misleading because CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a technique used when someone is in cardiac arrest—meaning their heart has stopped beating. In such a scenario, coughing would not be possible and certainly would not restart a non-beating heart.
“It physiologically does not make sense,” Mumma explained. “(Coughing) just would not work to restart a heart that’s not beating.”
A heart attack and cardiac arrest are both medical emergencies but are distinct conditions. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked (a circulation problem), whereas cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating (an electrical problem). A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, making immediate medical attention crucial.
When someone experiences cardiac arrest, they will become unresponsive and stop breathing or gasp for air. Without immediate treatment, cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes.
The Origins of ‘Cough CPR’
The confusion surrounding “cough CPR” may stem from a specific medical technique used in hospital settings. According to Dr. Manesh Patel, distinguished professor of medicine and chief of the cardiology division at Duke University School of Medicine, coughing has been used in very limited cases of sudden arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) under medical supervision.
In settings like a cardiac catheterization lab, a doctor or nurse may instruct a patient to cough vigorously to maintain blood flow to the brain for a few seconds until the arrhythmia is treated. However, this method is not a reliable or universal treatment and should never replace emergency care.
Patel added that the misconception about “cough CPR” likely stems from the idea that coughing can affect chest pressure and heart function. “I think people believe that it is changing, somehow, the heart’s squeeze. But (coughing) has not been shown to do that,” he explained. “If somebody has lost a pulse, we very much know that you have to do CPR.”
What to Do in a Cardiac Emergency
Dr. Mumma, who co-authored the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2023 advanced life support guidelines update, stated that a thorough review of existing research found no scientific evidence supporting “cough CPR.” As a result, it is not included in AHA guidelines.
Instead, if you witness someone experiencing cardiac arrest, experts recommend the following steps:
- Call 911 immediately – Getting professional medical help is the top priority.
- Start hands-only CPR – Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest at the nipple line, place the other hand on top, interlock fingers, and push hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute.
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if available – Many public places have AEDs, and they provide voice instructions for use.
If someone is having a heart attack (but not yet in cardiac arrest), symptoms may include chest pain, jaw pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. Experts recommend calling 911, resting until help arrives, and taking aspirin if not allergic. Those with a prescription for nitroglycerin should take it as directed. However, forceful coughing is not a recommended treatment.
The Bottom Line
Despite widespread myths on social media, “cough CPR” is not an effective or recommended response to a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Medical experts emphasize that calling 911, performing CPR when necessary, and using an AED are the best ways to save a life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. In any medical emergency, contact a healthcare professional or call emergency services immediately.
