Coughing hard won’t save you from a heart attack if you’re alone – Full Fact

Debunking the Coughing Myth for Heart Attacks

Incorrect social media posts claiming that coughing really hard can help during a heart attack are circulating online again.

People who are alone and suspect they are having a heart attack should cough repeatedly and very strongly.

This is not recommended medical advice for treating a heart attack. Instead, if someone suspects they are having a heart attack, they should call 999 immediately.

Full Fact, a team of independent fact checkers and campaigners, aims to improve the information environment and protect good public debate by exposing and countering harmful misinformation.

Author's summary: Coughing hard won't save you from a heart attack if you're alone.

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Full Fact Full Fact — 2025-10-17

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