Fact Check: Can Ginger Cure Symptoms During Heart Attack?

An Instagram reel claims that ginger can cure symptoms during a heart attack. The claim by the user is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram reel, it is claimed that ginger can cure symptoms during a heart attack. The reel by the user mindsetdoctor09 is captioned "How to save yourself from heart attack" The user in the reel says, "How to turn your home into an ICU: Step one, if someone has a heart attack or yourself, the step 1 is to change the posture. One heart is your heart and the other heart is calf muscles. Bring these two hearts close together. For example, if I get an attack, what will I do? First, I’ll bring both hearts close. This reduces the distance between the heart and calf muscles. But remember, don’t do this sitting on a chair. Sit on the ground with back support. Step two: Take a piece of ginger and put it in the patient’s mouth. The ginger will create a reaction, making tears come out of their eyes. Within 15 minutes, the symptoms should start reducing, and in half an hour, symptoms will fade away and they will feel better. Step three: Take a bucket of hot water, around 45 degrees Celsius (geyser water). Make the patient sit on a chair and place their feet in the hot water. Hopefully, this process will help the symptoms go away."

The reel can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim by the user is FALSE. The claim by the user that ginger can cure symptoms during a heart attack is not backed by scientific evidence or medical consensus. Further claims in the reel that changing posture during a heart attack and placing feet in hot water can cure heart attack symptoms are not backed by scientific evidence or medical consensus. It is important to take appropriate emergency steps during a heart attack.

What is Heart Attack?

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, depriving it of oxygen. This typically happens due to atherosclerosis, a condition where coronary arteries narrow from plaque buildup (fat, cholesterol, and other substances). If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger the formation of a blood clot that obstructs blood flow. Without timely treatment, the heart muscle begins to die, leading to permanent damage. Recovery depends on the extent of damage and prompt medical intervention, which may include medications, surgeries, or cardiac rehabilitation.

Risk Factors Associated with Heart Attacks

Several lifestyle and health factors influence heart attack risk. An unhealthy diet high in saturated fats or sodium, lack of regular physical activity, and smoking are significant contributors. Medical conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure (including during pregnancy), high blood sugar or diabetes, high triglycerides, and obesity also increase the risk. When three or more of these conditions occur together, it is called metabolic syndrome, which significantly raises the risk of a heart attack. Uncontrollable factors include age (with increased risk for men over 45 and women over 55 or after menopause), family history of early heart disease, and infections from bacteria and viruses

What is the Golden Hour Of Heart Attack?

The "Golden Hour" of a heart attack refers to the critical first hour after the onset of heart attack symptoms, during which prompt medical intervention can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes. This period is crucial because the heart muscle starts to deteriorate quickly due to lack of oxygen-rich blood, and timely treatment can minimize permanent damage. Interventions like thrombolytic therapy or angioplasty are most effective when administered within this window. Recognizing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the upper body and seeking immediate medical care is essential for optimizing recovery and reducing complications.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Ginger?

Ginger also known as Zingiber officinale is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits and medicinal properties. Rich in bioactive compounds, ginger is valued for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and support the immune system. It plays a significant role in reducing inflammation and promoting muscle relaxation, making it beneficial for managing pain and discomfort. Additionally, ginger aids in improving immunity and overall well-being through its immune-modulating properties. Its natural compounds provide therapeutic support, contributing to improved health and relief from various ailments, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Can Ginger Cure Symptoms During Heart Attack?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that ginger can cure symptoms during a heart attack. While it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may support overall cardiovascular health, relying on ginger during a heart attack could delay critical medical treatment, which is life-threatening. Moreover, reel's claims that changing posture during a heart attack and soaking feet in hot water can cure heart attack symptoms lack scientific backing and medical consensus. It is crucial to follow proper emergency protocols in the event of a heart attack.

Ginger has been found to offer potential preventive benefits. A cross-sectional study published in Nutrition revealed that ginger may help prevent certain chronic diseases, particularly hypertension and coronary heart disease, while also lowering the risk of illness.

Ginger has shown potential in managing cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels, reducing hypertension, and addressing atherosclerosis. A study in Current Topics in Functional Food demonstrated that ginger may help manage or improve cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol levels, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

While these effects may contribute to heart health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet, ginger cannot dissolve a blood clot or reopen a blocked artery, the primary cause of a heart attack.

In a conversation with the Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team Dr Prem Aggarwal, MD (Medicine), DNB (Cardiology, Director), Sanjeevan Hospital, Daryaganj, Delhi said, "Heart attacks are serious medical emergencies, and the claims about using posture changes, ginger, or hot water to treat them are false and highly misleading. If you or someone around you experiences symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort, don’t waste time on unproven remedies. Instead, call for emergency medical help immediately. Time is critical during a heart attack, and professional medical care is essential to save lives. Remember, unscientific methods can delay treatment and worsen outcomes. Always prioritize your health and seek expert care without delay."

Dr Manav Aggarwal, MBBS, DM, Interventional Cardiologist, Sanjeevan Hospital, New Delhi explained, "The claims about using posture changes, ginger, or hot water to treat a heart attack are false and lack scientific basis. Heart attacks are medical emergencies that require immediate professional intervention. Symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or discomfort should prompt calling emergency services. Delays in treatment can be life-threatening. Always prioritize reaching a hospital over unproven remedies."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Ginger is not a cure or treatment for symptoms during a heart attack. It may promote cardiovascular health over time, but during a heart attack, immediate medical attention is critical. Furthermore, the claims in the reel that changing posture or soaking feet in hot water can relieve heart attack symptoms are not supported by scientific evidence or medical consensus. Prompt emergency measures remain essential during a heart attack. Call emergency services at the first sign of symptoms and follow professional guidance. Misguided reliance on these remedies could delay lifesaving care, putting lives at risk.

Hence, the claim by the user is False.