A heart attack is one of the most terrifying medical emergencies anyone can face, and when it strikes, every second counts.
If you’re experiencing a heart attack while alone, knowing what to do in those critical moments can mean the difference between life and death.
Although immediate medical attention is crucial, there’s a simple technique you can use to help yourself stay conscious and buy time until help arrives.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the signs of a heart attack, explain a life-saving technique that involves coughing, and emphasize the importance of sharing this information with friends and family.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heart Attack
First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack so you can act quickly. While symptoms may vary, here are some of the most common warning signs:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.
- Pain in Other Areas of the Body: The pain may radiate to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath: Even without chest pain, you may experience difficulty breathing.
- Cold Sweat: Unexpected sweating without physical activity or heat.
- Nausea or Lightheadedness: Some people feel nauseous or dizzy.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially chest pain, assume it’s a heart attack and take immediate action.
What to Do When You’re Alone and Having a Heart Attack
If you suspect you’re having a heart attack and are alone, follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of survival:
1. Call Emergency Services Immediately
The very first thing you should do if you suspect a heart attack is to call emergency services (911 in the U.S. or the equivalent in your country).
Time is critical, and emergency responders have the tools and medications to help stabilize you on the way to the hospital.
If you have a phone nearby, dial emergency services and briefly explain your symptoms, your location, and that you’re alone.
If possible, put the phone on speaker mode so you can continue with the next steps while speaking with a dispatcher.
2. Start Coughing Repeatedly and Forcefully
This is where the “cough CPR” technique comes in. Some medical experts suggest that if you’re alone and experiencing a heart attack, coughing forcefully can help keep you conscious and alert until professional help arrives. Here’s how to do it:
- Take a Deep Breath: Inhale deeply to get as much oxygen as possible.
- Cough Forcefully: After each deep breath, cough forcefully, as if you’re trying to clear mucus from your lungs. The cough should be deep, prolonged, and repeated every 2 seconds (VIDEO guide below).
The theory behind this technique is that forceful coughing helps maintain blood circulation and keeps oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs.
The deep breathing provides oxygen, while the coughing squeezes the heart, helping it to pump blood. This may stabilize your heart rhythm, keeping you conscious until help arrives.
Note: While the “cough CPR” method is widely shared, it’s still debated in the medical community. It’s recommended as a temporary measure, not a substitute for professional CPR or defibrillation, which only trained professionals should perform.
Why Coughing Might Help During a Heart Attack
Heart attacks often result from a blockage in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.
When a heart attack occurs, the heart may go into a dangerous, irregular rhythm called arrhythmia, which can cause loss of consciousness or even sudden cardiac arrest.
The repetitive coughing action may help in two ways:
- Maintains Blood Flow: Each cough acts like a mini chest compression, helping the heart to pump blood more effectively during those critical seconds.
- Helps Regulate Heart Rhythm: Deep breathing followed by forceful coughing can sometimes help regulate an irregular heart rhythm temporarily, providing enough stability for you to remain conscious.
Important Things to Remember
- This Technique is Temporary: The “cough CPR” technique is not a cure or a guaranteed life-saver, but it may help you stay conscious long enough to call for help or wait until medical professionals arrive.
- Don’t Drive Yourself: If you’re experiencing a heart attack, avoid driving to the hospital. Call emergency services and wait for them to arrive. Driving under these conditions is extremely dangerous and could put both you and others on the road at risk.
- Share This Information with Others: Heart attacks are common, and knowing what to do in those first critical moments can save lives. Share this information with your family and friends so they’ll know what to do if they ever find themselves in a similar situation.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack
While knowing how to respond to a heart attack is essential, prevention is just as important. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help reduce your risk of a heart attack:
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can increase your risk of heart disease. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of heart attack.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart disease.
- Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels: Keep an eye on these health markers, as high blood pressure and cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease.
Experiencing a heart attack is terrifying, especially if you’re alone. Knowing what to do in those critical first seconds can make a real difference in your chance of survival.
If you suspect a heart attack, immediately call for emergency assistance, then use the “cough CPR” technique as a temporary measure to keep blood circulating and maintain consciousness.
Although the cough technique may not work for everyone, it’s a simple and easy method to remember in a time of crisis.
And always remember: prevention is key. Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in reducing your risk of heart attack and ensuring a longer, healthier life.
Finally, please share this information with friends and family. Knowing these steps could save lives.