Cough CPR: Not endorsed by the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association does not endorse "cough CPR," a procedure widely talked about on the internet.

During a sudden arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), a conscious, responsive person may be able to cough forcefully and repetitively to maintain enough blood flow to the brain to remain conscious for a few seconds until the arrhythmia is treated. This has been mislabeled "cough CPR." However, it’s not a form of traditional resuscitation.

Why isn't "cough CPR" taught in CPR training courses?

"Cough CPR" should not be taught in lay-rescuer CPR courses. It’s generally not useful outside the hospital. In almost all lay-rescuer CPR courses, the person’s unresponsiveness signals an emergency. People who are unresponsive can’t perform "cough CPR."

Are there situations when "cough CPR" is useful?

"Cough CPR" may be a temporary measure in settings such as the cardiac catheterization laboratory. In a hospital setting, patients are conscious and constantly monitored (for example, with an EKG). A nurse or doctor can teach and coach patients to cough forcefully every one to three seconds during the first seconds of a sudden arrhythmia. But since it doesn’t work in all patients, it shouldn't delay approved treatment.

Heart Association Recommendation

The best strategy is to be aware of the warning signs for cardiac arrest, then call 911, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as it is available. The warning signs include:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness
• No normal breathing