Can Coughing Save You During a Heart Emergency? Expert Insights

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Hello, Doctor He: A friend sent me the following article; is it correct? If a person's heart is not beating normally and they begin to feel faint, they likely have only about ten seconds before losing consciousness.
If there is no one around to assist with emergency care, the patient must immediately take advantage of this brief ten-second window to help themselves.
They should cough continuously! Cough forcefully! Before each cough, take a deep breath.
Then, cough hard, deeply, and for a long duration, as if trying to expel phlegm from deep within the chest.
Every two seconds, they should take a breath and cough, continuing this until help arrives or they feel their heartbeat return to normal, at which point they can rest.
The purpose of deep breathing is to bring oxygen into the lungs, while the purpose of coughing is to compress the heart, thereby promoting blood circulation.
This compression of the heart can also help restore a normal pulse.
Such self-administered emergency care can give a heart attack patient the opportunity to call for help or to shout for assistance during each inhalation.

tom, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/05/12

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

DEAR TOM, I don't think he is correct.

1.
The purpose of coughing is to compress the heart, thereby promoting blood circulation.
The pressure on the heart can also help restore a normal pulse.
Coughing itself stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system rather than compressing the heart.
If that were the case, long-term coughers would be in serious trouble.
One can cough a few times, and if there is arrhythmia, parasympathetic stimulation can be used to see if there is a chance to revert back to normal rhythm.
2.
You should first take a deep breath.
Every two seconds, you should take one inhalation and one cough.
However, this can lead to hyperventilation syndrome, which may cause fainting.
Do not exceed five coughs.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2007/05/12

More Info

Coughing as a self-rescue technique during a heart emergency is a concept that has gained some attention, but it is important to clarify its effectiveness and the proper response to such situations. When someone experiences a heart attack or a cardiac event, the most critical action is to seek immediate medical help. However, if you find yourself alone and unable to call for help, the idea of using coughing as a means to maintain circulation and consciousness has some basis in theory, but it is not a substitute for professional medical intervention.

The rationale behind the coughing technique is that forceful coughing can create pressure in the chest cavity, which may help to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain temporarily. This is somewhat similar to the Valsalva maneuver, which involves exhaling against a closed airway to increase pressure in the chest. The theory suggests that this pressure can help stimulate the heart and potentially restore a normal rhythm. However, it is crucial to understand that this is not a guaranteed method for saving oneself during a cardiac event.

In a typical scenario of a heart attack, the person may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness. If you are alone and begin to feel faint or are experiencing these symptoms, the recommended steps are as follows:
1. Call for Help: If you have a phone within reach, call emergency services immediately. Even if you feel you may not have much time, it is essential to alert professionals who can provide the necessary medical assistance.

2. Coughing Technique: If you are unable to call for help and feel you are losing consciousness, you can attempt to cough forcefully. Take a deep breath and cough hard every couple of seconds. This may help maintain some blood flow temporarily, but it should not be relied upon as a primary method of self-rescue.

3. Stay Calm: Try to remain as calm as possible. Panic can exacerbate the situation and make it harder to think clearly.

4. Positioning: If you feel faint, try to sit or lie down to avoid falling and potentially injuring yourself. If possible, position yourself in a way that keeps your airway clear.

5. Use Any Available Resources: If you have access to any medical devices, such as an automatic external defibrillator (AED), use it as soon as possible. These devices are designed to help restore a normal heart rhythm.

6. Monitor Symptoms: If you experience any changes in your symptoms, such as increased pain or difficulty breathing, continue to cough and try to stay conscious until help arrives.

While the coughing technique may provide a temporary measure to maintain consciousness and circulation, it is essential to emphasize that it is not a substitute for professional medical care. The best course of action during a heart emergency is to seek immediate help.
In conclusion, while coughing may have some theoretical benefits in maintaining blood flow during a heart emergency, it is not a foolproof method. The priority should always be to call for emergency assistance and get to a hospital as quickly as possible. Understanding the signs of a heart attack and knowing how to respond can significantly improve outcomes in such critical situations.

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