An information that occasionally appears on social media suggests that vigorously coughing when you suspect a heart attack can save your life. This is absolutely incorrect…

As cardiologists, we may instruct patients to cough during certain rhythm problems in the cardiac intensive care unit or during a procedure in the angiography lab. However, for someone outside of the hospital who believes they are experiencing a heart problem, this is an ineffective action.

The most dangerous aspect of this type of information is that it can lead a person who is truly experiencing a heart attack to waste time on it instead of seeking real help.

Remember, coughing does not work during a heart attack. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, don’t delay; call 112 immediately