London, Nov 17 The kiss of life can actually lower the chances of survival of patients who have suffered cardiac arrest, reveals a new study.

The researchers suggest that chest compressions might just be enough to bring back the patient to life.

The two breaths of air usually included in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR may be a waste time, suggest boffins.

The study led by the Arizona University showed that 11 per cent of heart victims are likely to survive if they received only chest compressions.

However, the survival rate can fall to six per cent if they were also given the kiss of life.

Amazingly, five per cent would survive if passers-by did nothing at all.

But British heart charities insist it was important to do something - even if it was just ringing an ambulance.

"It is vital that if you come across someone who has stopped breathing you do something," the Daily Express quoted Ellen Mason, a senior cardiac nurse from the British Heart Foundation, as saying.

"If you don't want to do the kiss of life, stick to chest compressions. But don't do nothing," Mason added. (ANI)