Can coughing stop a heart attack?
Internet myths have brought back the idea that coughing can stop a heart attack in its tracks or fix an irregular heart rhythm.
But does “cough CPR” really work?
Let’s look at where this myth comes from and the realities behind it.
How does coughing stop a heart attack or fix an arrhythmia?
The answer isn’t simple, and there isn’t a precise explanation. When a person coughs, there is a change in intrathoracic pressure, which is the pressure surrounding the lungs. That change affects blood flow to the heart and interacts with the nervous system, especially the vagus system, which links the heart, lungs, and abdomen to the brain. Stimulation of this system can affect the heart’s electrical system.
When these factors align, subtle changes in blood flow and the electrical system can sometimes terminate or break an arrhythmia.
Where did the idea of cough CPR come from?
This idea gained traction from anecdotal reports and case studies. Occasionally, in intensive care units or cardiac catheterization labs, instances arise where someone experiencing a ventricular arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat in the lower heart chambers) or a supraventricular arrhythmia (a fast heartbeat starting above the lower chambers) can momentarily benefit from coughing. Patients instructed to cough forcefully in such settings have sometimes seen the rhythm corrected.
These instances seem to validate the method. However, most heart rhythms are much more complex than a single cough can address.
Why cough CPR doesn’t work
