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How To Survive A Heart Attack If You Are Alone - Does this work?
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, this post seemed to be in order. Without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously.
A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.
Now that you have read this, do you think this is credible? If it is, then perhaps a life can be saved by sharing this information. Regardless, 911 needs to be contacted immediately but while one is waiting for help to arrive, maybe this may help...
Stay safe and have a safe and fun Christmas Holiday!
TCSS,
Mike Schlags
Santa Barbara, CA
A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.
Now that you have read this, do you think this is credible? If it is, then perhaps a life can be saved by sharing this information. Regardless, 911 needs to be contacted immediately but while one is waiting for help to arrive, maybe this may help...
Stay safe and have a safe and fun Christmas Holiday!
TCSS,
Mike Schlags
Santa Barbara, CA
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by turk182 on
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I do not know if it is credible but if it does work then it would be good information to pass along during cpr training and might save some lives.
Thanks for the info.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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I've never heard of this before, but I'm with Turk. If this turns out to be credible information, then it needs to be added to our existing Public Education/CPR training information. It just could save some lives...if it actually works!
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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If it works....then great... why not....BUT, I think that maybe pushing for fitness standards and nutrition education would save more lives (Mine included)......if all else fails ak a local cardiologist.....Paul
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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It didn't work for me! Oh wait a minute, that was another life.
Actually, If you look at the physics of coughing, esp the intra-thorasic pressure, would it work? Possibly. I know it has been researched by AHA and others some years ago, but I don't remember what the results were. I haven't heard much about it in the last few years.
My problem with this theory is; How many civilians will recognize there is a problem in 10 seconds, much less be clear headed enough to act? By the same token, how many of us would be able to recognize and react? If I were to cough every time my ticker hiccuped, I wouldn't be able to breathe because my ribs would be too sore.
It is a good question. I'll have to dig up some of my old files on the subject.
Hope everyone has a quiet and safe Christmas.
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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on
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Getting an AICD (Automatic Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator) implant is scientifically proven to be a much better way to survive a sudden cardiac arrest.
Unfortunately, they cost several thousand dollars, require a major invasive surgery, and don't guarantee survival.
The best way to prevent sudden cardiac death is to a) take 81 mg of asprin every day, b) stay healthy and hydrated, and c)stop fighting fires, because heat stress kills.
I can't seem to make myself use option c), am getting old enough that I can only guarantee half of option b) - the hydrated part - I stick with a) and take the asprin every day.
If I have to try the cough thing, I'll let you know if it works...if I can.
As Kenny Chesney sings..."Everyone wanna go to heaven, but nobody wanna go now."
Merry Christmas, Mike.
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Permalink Reply by Allen on
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i have seen this flying around on Emails but question the thought of anyone being able to think about it while they are mid stream of passing out. The 1st thing they need to do is get a couple asprin down to slow down the clot, then get 911 on the phone.
If this is something that works then we need to get AHA to post a memo out and distribute it to the 911 dispatchers. That would help alot for 1st responders and EMS. Once we make location we can get the good meds in and the O2 flowing, then MAYBE we can keep them around for another day.
This is a good question that i would like to hear more input on.
Everyone have a safe and Quiet Christmas and be safe out there!!!
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Permalink Reply by Chris Gaylord on
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I get asked about this all the time when I'm teaching CPR classes, and I always point my students to the following:
From the American Heart Association Cough CPR resource page:
The American Heart Association does not endorse "cough CPR," a coughing procedure widely publicized on the Internet. As noted in the 2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, the American Heart Association DOES NOT TEACH THIS AS PART OF THE CORE CURRICULUM IN ANY COURSE.
During a sudden arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), it may be possible for a conscious, responsive person to cough forcefully and maintain enough blood flow to the brain to remain conscious for a few seconds until the arrhythmia disappears or is treated. Blood flow is maintained by increased pressure in the chest that occurs during forceful coughs. This has been mislabeled "cough CPR," although it's not a form of traditional resuscitation.
read the rest here
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Permalink Reply by Aussie_Wildfire on
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My 14 year old son passed away in front of me with cardiac arrhythmia. I knew of this coughing but I did not think of it at the time. Could it have worked???? maybe
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Permalink Reply by T.J. on
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Well it can't hurt thats for sure, probably better than juzst laying there waiting to pass out!
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Permalink Reply by Chris Hayden on
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Taking an aspirin also increases your chances of survivial greatly. Not sure what the number is but I think was over 50% for those who take them and make it to the hospital. Learned from cardiologist in an ACLS class.
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