Can You Cough to Give Yourself CPR?

I've heard that there is a thing called cough CPR, or c-CPR. If you are alone and feel like you are having a heart attack, if you cough vigorously you can help yourself. Is this true?

The American Heart Association has provided the following response in regard to c-CPR: "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.

The reason is that c-CPR is so far a poorly studied procedure with limited potential for clinical application. It can theoretically sustain cardiac output for a short time until someone who can do CPR or administer Advanced Cardiac Life Support arrives. This is provided the victim recognizes that his or her pulse has stopped prior to unconsciousness. For the public, the best strategy is to convince people to become aware of the early warning signs for heart attack and respond to them by calling 911 or activating an emergency response team. If an individual is driving alone and finds themselves in this situation, he or she should flag down another motorist for help."

You may contact the American Heart Association with questions or for free booklets on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Brochure and First Aid for Choking Brochure at 1-800-AHA-USA1.