A widely circulated article about vigorous coughing when you have heart attack symptoms has been attributed to a Rochester General Hospital.

In reality, this hospital denies being the source of the article. See the link on the urban legends page for details.

The American Heart Association gives information on the so-called "cough-CPR" technique on their web site.

Also, the American Red Cross does not endorse the technique as explained on their web site.

They say "To date, there is insufficient scientific research concerning the efficacy of Cough CPR. Therefore, American Red Cross cannot advocate teaching the technique until it has been thoroughly tested in national studies and found to be effective."

The following information (and much more ) can be found on their web site.

"As a training organization, the American Red Cross encourages the public to recognize the signals of a heart attack:

• Persistent chest pain or discomfort (which can range from discomfort to an unbearable crushing sensation in the chest) that lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes or is not relieved by resting, changing position, oral medication, or goes away and then comes back.
• Discomfort, pain or pressure in either arm; discomfort, pain or pressure that spreads to the shoulder, arm, neck or jaw.
• Breathing difficulty, which may cause dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Skin appearance, which may be pale or bluish in color. The face may be moist or may sweat profusely.
• Unconsciousness.

Call 911 or the local emergency number for help.
• Convince and help the victim to stop activity and rest comfortably.
• Try to obtain additional information about the victim's condition.
• Assist with medication, if prescribed.
• Monitor the victim's condition.
• Be prepared to give CPR and use an AED if the victim's heart stops beating.

If the pain is severe or does not go away in 3-5 minutes, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number at once.