BBC doctor issues 'nonsense' warning over viral 'heart attack' trend - it could 'delay help'

BBC doctor issues 'nonsense' warning over viral 'heart attack' trend - it could 'delay help' BBC Morning Live Doctor Ranj Singh said it was nothing but rubbish advice A BBC expert has revealed that a viral trend that claims to save your life during a heart attack is nothing but "nonsense" advice. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, Dr Ranj Singh urged people not to do the "cough CPR" trend. He explained: "There’s a viral trend going around online talking about cough CPR. "The trend claims that "recurrent coughing maintains blood supply to the heart and potentially restarts it. It is nonsense. "Please do not listen to it. There are people reporting to be medical professionals. It is not recommended practice - and it may even delay you getting help." 'We are concerned by such incorrect advice' In a statement from Resuscitation Council UK in 2018, showing the trend is still being spoken about years later - despite its dangers - it said it was "concerned" about these claims and it could make the situation "worse." It wrote: "Resuscitation Council UK is concerned by such incorrect ‘advice’ which recommends that someone who is on their own and thinks they are having a ‘heart attack’ should cough repeatedly and – whilst continuing to do that – get themselves at once to a hospital, by car if necessary. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the correct treatment for sudden cardiac arrest, which is when the heart suddenly stops pumping. The majority of people having a heart attack will not suffer a cardiac arrest, and by attempting ‘cough CPR’ they could make their condition worse. "The incorrect ‘advice’ has probably been based (very loosely) on a few published case reports of people with sudden cardiac arrest being able to maintain a heartbeat, and therefore a circulation, by repeated vigorous coughing - so-called ‘cough CPR’. However, this has been achieved in hospitals, during tests or treatment on the heart in which the person was being monitored closely and supervised by doctors throughout. "Cardiac arrest usually causes loss of consciousness within a matter of seconds, giving a person no warning. Even if a person suspected that they were having a cardiac arrest, it is highly unlikely that coughing could maintain enough circulation to do anything else, let alone drive safely. The correct advice for anyone who thinks they may be having a heart attack is to call immediately for an emergency ambulance and, whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive, follow advice from the ambulance call handler." 'Cold weather could leave you more at risk', says BBC doctor Although it’s important to note that not all chest pain is caused by a heart problem, Doctor Ranj warned that cold weather can worsen chest pain when it’s heart-related. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is cut off. It’s a life-threatening emergency and requires urgent hospital treatment. The medic explained: "The cold weather can make any sort of pre-existing lung or heart problem worse and can exacerbate that. But many people may not realise that cold weather increases your risk of having a heart attack. "The reason being is when it’s cold outside, the normal response is for all the blood vessels in your hands, feet, legs and arms to constrict because you don’t want to use too much heat. "You redirect warm blood and keep it centrally. What that does is increases the load on your heart because all of that blood gets pushed inwards, it raises your blood pressure and your heart has to deal with pumping more blood - that puts extra strain on it." This means your heart needs more oxygen and nutrients, making a good blood supply even more crucial. If there are any problems with blood flow - for example, a narrowing or blockage in the arteries supplying the heart - it can cause complications and potentially raise your risk of a heart attack. The doctor added: "That’s why it's so important that if you’ve got an underlying heart condition, wrap up warm in the colder months and try to avoid sudden strenuous activities in the cold because it can predispose you to issues." BHF urges people to try these 11 steps indoors According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), heart attacks are more common in winter, as Dr Ranj stated. With this in mind, it urges people to ensure they stay warm not only when they're outside but also inside. It recommends trying the following: - Find out if you’re entitled to any financial help, like the Cold Weather Payment, by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160. - If you have angina, wear a scarf wrapped loosely around your mouth and nose, or a face mask, to breathe in warmer air. This may help to limit your symptoms if they get worse in the winter. - Layer up with socks, jumpers and blankets. Wear lots of thin layers, rather than one thick layer. This will trap the heat in and keep you warmer. A hot water bottle or an electric blanket can help you to keep warm at night. - If it feels like you’re coming down with a cough or a cold, try to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Get advice from your GP or pharmacist about over-the-counter remedies as some may not be suitable if you’re taking other medicines. - If you’re spending more time indoors, you may want to have a good stock of essentials, like food and toiletries, and any prescription medicines you take. - Spending more time indoors can make you feel low. You could call your friends and family regularly and invite them to indoor places to socialise. - Have warm meals like soup and healthy hot drinks to give your body the energy it needs to stay warm. - During very cold weather, or when you go outside, layer up and wear a hat, scarf and gloves to help keep you warm. - Try to keep the room where you spend most of your time heated to at least 18C. - Learn how to make your home more energy efficient to save money and keep the heat inside your home. - Keep moving while you're indoors to stay warm and boost your immune system. The foundation urges people to get in touch with the Priority Service Register (PSR). This is a free service that provides extra support for people with health needs. It also gives people extra help from their utility companies if the power, gas or water goes off in an emergency, or because of planned works. You can also have a flu jab and a Covid-19 vaccine to help protect against viruses that circulate more in colder weather. Some people may also be eligible for a pneumococcal vaccine. The foundation urges people to speak to their GP or a pharmacist to check whether they qualify for these vaccines for free. What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack? - Chest pain which may feel like crushing or squeezing on your chest – the pain may also spread to your arm, neck and jaw - Feeling short of breath - Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) - Feeling like you have indigestion – you may have a burning feeling in your chest and feel full or bloated - Sweating - Pale, blue or grey skin – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands