Dr Ranj Singh, a doctor on BBC Morning Live, has warned that a viral trend claiming to save lives during a heart attack is nothing but "nonsense" advice. Speaking on the programme, he urged people not to follow the "cough CPR" trend.
"There's a viral trend going around online talking about cough CPR," he said. The trend claims that "recurrent coughing maintains blood supply to the heart and potentially restarts it. It is nonsense."
'Please do not listen to it'
"Please do not listen to it. There are people reporting to be medical professionals. It is not recommended practice - and it may even delay you getting help," Dr Ranj added.
The trend has been circulating for years. In a statement from Resuscitation Council UK in 2018, the organisation said it was "concerned" about these claims and that they could make the situation "worse."
"Resuscitation Council UK is concerned by such incorrect 'advice' which recommends that someone who is on their own and thinks they are having a 'heart attack' should cough repeatedly and - whilst continuing to do that - get themselves at once to a hospital, by car if necessary," the statement read.
"Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the correct treatment for sudden cardiac arrest, which is when the heart suddenly stops pumping. The majority of people having a heart attack will not suffer a cardiac arrest, and by attempting 'cough CPR' they could make their condition worse."
How the incorrect advice began
The incorrect advice has probably been based, very loosely, on a few published case reports of people with sudden cardiac arrest being able to maintain a heartbeat by repeated vigorous coughing. However, this has only been achieved in hospitals, during tests or treatment on the heart, with the person monitored closely and supervised by doctors throughout.
Cardiac arrest usually causes loss of consciousness within seconds, giving no warning. Even if a person suspected they were having a cardiac arrest, coughing is highly unlikely to maintain enough circulation to do anything else, let alone drive safely. The correct advice for anyone who thinks they may be having a heart attack is to call immediately for an emergency ambulance and follow advice from the ambulance call handler while waiting.
Cold weather and heart attack risk
Dr Ranj also warned that cold weather can worsen chest pain when it's heart-related. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is cut off. It is a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent hospital treatment.
"The cold weather can make any sort of pre-existing lung or heart problem worse and can exacerbate that. But many people may not realise that cold weather increases your risk of having a heart attack," he explained. When it's cold, blood vessels in the hands, feet, legs and arms constrict to conserve heat, which increases the load on the heart, raises blood pressure, and puts extra strain on it.
"That's why it's so important that if you've got an underlying heart condition, wrap up warm in the colder months and try to avoid sudden strenuous activities in the cold because it can predispose you to issues," he added.
BHF advice for staying warm
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) says heart attacks are more common in winter and urges people to stay warm both outside and indoors. Its recommendations include checking eligibility for financial help like the Cold Weather Payment, wearing a scarf loosely around the mouth and nose for those with angina, and layering up with thin layers. It also advises keeping rooms heated to at least 18C, having warm meals, and keeping moving indoors.
The foundation also urges people to join the Priority Service Register (PSR), a free service providing extra support for people with health needs, including help from utility companies during emergencies. It also recommends flu, Covid-19, and possibly pneumococcal vaccines, with eligibility checked via a GP or pharmacist.
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain that may feel like crushing or squeezing and may spread to the arm, neck and jaw; shortness of breath; nausea or vomiting; feeling like indigestion; sweating; and pale, blue or grey skin, which may be easier to see on the palms of the hands on black or brown skin.
