Substitute Jorge Grant slid in at the near post to secure three valuable points for a Hearts side which squeezed into the top six in the William Hill Premiership.
His strike came in the final minute against gritty opponents who frustrated the Jambos by basically massing players behind the ball.
Give Ross County their due, they collectively worked extremely hard to subdue the Men in Maroon who enjoyed most of the possession and territory, particularly in the first 45 minutes, at sun-kissed Tynecastle on an ideal day for a game.
Sadly, the sparkling weather was not matched by the game as Hearts toiled to break down their visitors.
The 300-plus Ross County fans in the 18,000-plus crowd saw their hard-working defence breached for the first time after 25 minutes.
Beni Baningime sent an inch-perfect pass into the path of busy Elton Kabango and the dangerous on-loan striker prodded home for his eighth if the season. Time 25 minutes.
Craig Gordon was a virtual spectator as his team-mates probed for another opening and chances were few and far between.
Jambos boss Neil Critchley made changes is midfield, bringing on Calem Nieuwenhof and Jorge Grant for Sander Kartum and Blair Spittal and the head coach conceded in the post-match briefing that the pair made a difference.
The game opened up in the later stages and chances came, none greater than the one presented to substitute Musa Drammeh.
He received the ball in the centre of the penalty box about 12 yards from goal and his shot was saved by County goalkeeper Jordan Amissah with a strong right hand.
Frustration for the Spanish striker and home fans, but joy for the Staggies faithful who made the long trip from Dingwall.
It appeared that Hearts would have to settle for a 1-0 win until the dying minutes however a slick move down the Main Stand side saw Drammeh send a low cross into the danger area and Grant did the rest with a neat finish from close in for his third of the season. Game over.
Hearts are sixth with 39 points from 30 games, one ahead of Motherwell and four in front of St Mirren. All have played 30 games.
Above them are Dundee United with 41 points from 29 fixtures, Aberdeen on 43 points from 30 games and Hibs with 44 points from 30 starts.
Critchley (pictured) said: “We were in control for long periods but Ross County made it difficult for us with basically 11 men behind the ball.
“It is not easy to break down and they had a threat on the counter attack.”
Don Cowie, County’s manager, said: “The work ethic was there we just didn’t create enough opportunities.”
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