If you’re asking whether the claim “If you have a heart attack at home, do this in 10 seconds and you can save your life” is legitimate: be very cautious with it. There is no proven 10-second maneuver that can stop or reverse a heart attack.
What you should actually do
Call your local emergency number immediately. Don’t wait to see whether the symptoms disappear. Getting emergency medical help quickly is the most important step.
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Stop what you’re doing and sit/rest in a comfortable position. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital.
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Aspirin may help in some circumstances. Current American Heart Association guidance says an alert adult with acute, non-traumatic chest pain may be encouraged to chew and swallow 162–325 mg of aspirin, provided they aren’t allergic to aspirin and haven’t been told by a healthcare professional not to take it. If there’s uncertainty, it’s reasonable to wait for EMS rather than take it.
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If the person becomes unresponsive and isn’t breathing normally, that’s cardiac arrest—not simply a heart attack. Call emergency services, begin CPR immediately, and use an AED if one is available.
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Don’t rely on internet “10-second” tricks
Claims involving coughing forcefully, drinking water, holding your breath, massaging your chest, or performing a particular movement as a way to “stop” a heart attack aren’t substitutes for emergency treatment.
Heart-attack symptoms can include pressure or squeezing in the chest, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and discomfort spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or stomach. Some people—particularly women, older adults, and people with diabetes—may have less typical symptoms.
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If this is happening to you or someone with you right now, call your local emergency service now rather than continuing to read.
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