If you’re referring to the viral
advice “If you have a heart attack at home, do this in 10 seconds…”, there is an important
safety point: there is no scientifically proven 10-second maneuver that can stop a heart attack.
If a heart attack is suspected at home, don’t waste those 10 seconds trying a coughing technique, drinking water, changing your breathing, or performing another internet “hack.”
What you should actually do
- Call emergency medical services immediately. The sooner professional treatment begins, the better.
- Stop exerting yourself and sit or lie down. Keep yourself as calm and still as possible.
- Don’t drive yourself. An ambulance can begin treatment on the way and is safer if your condition suddenly worsens.
- If you’ve been prescribed nitroglycerin for angina, take it according to your prescription.
- Ask the emergency dispatcher about aspirin. In appropriate adults with suspected heart attack, chewing aspirin can be beneficial, but it isn’t appropriate for everyone—for example, people with an aspirin allergy or certain bleeding problems.
- If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, someone should begin CPR and use an AED if one is available.
Chest pressure or squeezing, shortness of breath, cold sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder can all be warning signs. Don’t wait for every symptom to appear.
If this is about a specific “10-second heart attack trick” from part 1/2, send me part 2, and I can explain exactly what it claims and whether it’s safe.
