Experts Warn Viral Social Media Heart Attack Hack May Endanger Lives
A recent social media trend has resurfaced a technique from the late 1970s known as “cough CPR.” The viral claim suggests that coughing rhythmically can help individuals survive a heart attack when alone by keeping their heart beating. While the idea is dramatic and attention-grabbing, it has raised significant concerns among medical professionals.
Origins of Cough CPR
The concept of cough CPR stems from specific medical practices in controlled settings, such as during certain heart procedures in hospitals. In these situations, doctors might instruct patients to cough forcefully to temporarily maintain blood flow and consciousness during abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). However, this technique was never intended for use outside of a hospital environment. Despite this, social media posts—designed for maximum shareability—have portrayed it as a universal life-saving hack, garnering over 270,000 shares.
To understand why cough CPR is problematic, it’s important to distinguish between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often due to cholesterol or blood clots in the arteries. In contrast, cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop beating effectively. Even in specific arrhythmias, where cough CPR might theoretically help, its application would be limited and impractical outside a hospital.
Cardiology and emergency medicine experts have consistently advised against the use of cough CPR in emergencies. Renowned organizations like the American Heart Association, the British Heart Foundation, and the Resuscitation Council UK emphasize that this method is not effective or safe for laypeople. They warn that relying on it may delay critical, evidence-based treatments such as calling emergency services, starting chest compressions, or using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Why the Trend Gained Traction
This resurgence of interest in cough CPR highlights the influence of viral content. Social media algorithms favor posts that evoke strong emotions or present surprising claims, often at the expense of accuracy. A simple “life-saving trick” is far more likely to go viral than detailed medical advice, especially in an era marked by widespread health misinformation.
Additionally, many people are drawn to medical shortcuts that appear to bypass complex procedures. Cough CPR fits this mold, offering an appealing—but ultimately misleading—solution to a serious medical issue.
While cough CPR has limited application in controlled settings, decades of research underscore the importance of proven emergency interventions. Recognizing symptoms, calling for help, and performing chest compressions at 100 to 120 beats per minute are crucial steps in saving lives. If an AED is available, following its instructions can significantly improve outcomes during cardiac arrest.
What You Should Do in an Emergency
If you or someone else shows signs of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, the best course of action is straightforward:
- Call emergency services immediately.
- If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, begin chest compressions at a steady rhythm until help arrives.
- Use an AED if one is available.
These methods, backed by extensive research, save countless lives annually. Viral hacks like cough CPR, while captivating, can distract from these reliable approaches.
Social media can play a powerful role in spreading awareness, but it also demands critical thinking from its users. Before acting on or sharing medical advice, always verify its credibility and context. While cough CPR may seem like an intriguing idea, it’s essential to prioritize evidence-based methods over myths. In emergencies, trusted procedures—not viral trends—offer the best chance of survival.
Read Original Article: Science Alert
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