The claim
This chain letter is currently doing the rounds: “A sudden heart attack in a theater. Doctors and nurses hit the patient on the inside of the elbow and he recovered after about 2 minutes. This video shows how to act in emergency situations to provide first aid to patients with heart attacks, which usually occur suddenly. Many die on the way to the hospital.”
Our conclusion
No, you can NOT cure a heart attack with a punch in the elbow! The fact is that this method can ultimately cost patients their lives.
Apparently you can treat a heart attack by constantly hitting your forearm or the crook of your elbow. The chain letter, which was originally written in English and is currently making the rounds on Telegram and Facebook, reads:

“A sudden heart attack in a theater. Doctors and nurses hit the patient on the inside of the elbow and he recovered after about 2 minutes. This video shows how to act in emergency situations to provide first aid to patients with heart attacks, which usually occur suddenly. Many die on the way to the hospital.”
Or:
“A sudden heart attack in a theater.
Doctors and nurses hit the patient on the inside of the elbow and he recovered after about 2 minutes. This video shows how to act in emergency situations to provide first aid to patients with heart attacks, which usually occur suddenly. Many die on the way to the hospital. 1. By striking the inside of the elbow of the left and right hands, you stimulate the three acupuncture points on the left side that are associated with the heart and lungs.
2. Leaving accelerates blood circulation, making the person feel warm and sweating stops. You should know that a heart attack occurs due to a blockage in blood circulation. By touching the inner elbow of the hand with the palm, you can increase body temperature, avoid aggregation and promote blood circulation. Then take the person to the hospital immediately.”
The video shows a man apparently resuscitating another man. This is done by hitting the elbow or forearm. The video is intended to serve as proof that the method of tapping in the crook of the elbow or on the forearms actually works when resuscitating heart attack patients.
Fact #1: Tapping your elbow or forearms cannot cure or prevent a heart attack!
There is no scientific basis, let alone facts, for such claims. If you use such a method, you are likely to cause even more damage. If you notice someone having a heart attack, call for help immediately!
Fact #2: This “cure method” has been debunked by Taiwanese doctors
Back in July 2016, the Taiwanese Ministry of Health and Welfare called on doctors to publicly refute this “cure” for heart attacks. Formosa TV English News pointed out in a VIDEO that believing in such claims and chain letters could lead to harm, even death, to the patient by delaying correct and appropriate treatment.
DANGER! No, you can NOT cure a heart attack with a punch in the elbow! The fact is that this method can ultimately cost patients their lives.
Correct behavior in the event of a heart attack and cardiac arrest
First aid for a cardiovascular arrest
- Address a lifeless person.
- If there is no response to the speech, check breathing - there must be 2 to 3 breaths per 10 seconds
- If breathing has stopped (gasping and individual breaths are not normal breathing), resuscitation should begin immediately.
- To do this, if possible, open/remove clothing
- If necessary, place the person on a hard surface, for example from the bed to the floor.
- Begin with immediate cardiac pressure massage.
To do this, it is advisable to kneel next to the lifeless person on the right or left, at chest level. 6.1. Look for pressure points when clothing is open.
This is located in the middle of the breastbone at the level of the two anatomically located nipples. 6.2. Place your hands on top of each other, keep your arms stretched.
6.3. Press approx. 5-6 cm deep at a rhythm of 100 to 120 bpm (e.g. the song Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees).
Make sure that in addition to compression there is also complete decompression. 6.3.1. The whole thing is done in a 30:2 sequence, where 30 refers to pushing and 2 to ventilation.
When ventilating, self-protection is always the priority. If I don't have the confidence to do this or if there is a massive injury to my face, meaning there is a risk of becoming infected with potential pathogens, the cardiac pressure massage is carried out continuously. 6.4. After 2 minutes or 5x 30:2 (which corresponds to approx. 2 minutes), the person carrying out the cardiac pressure massage is changed, if possible. This must be carried out consistently to further ensure the quality of the resuscitation. - If resuscitation occurs, consider using an automated defibrillator immediately.
Nowadays these hang in many publicly accessible places, e.g. train station, town hall, etc. 7.1. If possible, have a second person fetch the defibrillator.
Nowadays there are apps that show the location of the nearest registered defibrillator. 7.2. Activate defibrillator.
Here follow the instructions in the information printed on the defibrillator. 7.3. When using the defibrillator, attach the adhesive electrodes to the chest according to the pictogram
7.4. Follow the defibrillator instructions. This guides a person through resuscitation

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Conclusion: No, you can NOT cure a heart attack with a blow to the elbow or forearm! The fact is that this method is nonsense and can ultimately cost patients their lives. Instead, you should immediately call emergency services, elevate the patient's upper body, unzip clothing and, if necessary, begin cardiac pressure massage.
Sources:
Can You Cure A Heart Attack By Slapping The Elbow?
No!
Don't beat elbow pit of heart attack victim – do CPR instead Tapping Elbows Can Overturn Heart Attacks?
Viral Message Is False German Red Cross
Related to the topic:
“Coughing to prevent a heart attack” – a dangerous half-truth
Half-knowledge tips about strokes can be very dangerous!
Many thanks for the research to:
Tobias R. (first aid trainer and intensive care nurse as well as Mega Code Instructor)
Meret L. (nursing staff, cardiology)
Christina H. (emergency paramedic at an emergency service)
Daniela B. (nurse / Donaustadt Clinic)
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

