Shoveling Snow Can Bring on Deadly Heart Attacks

DALLAS — As pretty as new-fallen snow appears, shoveling sidewalks and driveways can be deadly. According to the American Heart Assoc., the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, many people may face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow.

Barry Franklin one of the leading experts on the science behind the cardiovascular risks of snow shoveling, said reports estimate that hundreds of people die during or just after snow removal in the U.S. each year.

“Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity, made even more so by the impact that cold temperatures have on your body, increasing the blood pressure while simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries. It really is a perfect storm for acute cardiac events,” said Franklin, a professor of Internal Medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Royal Oak, Mich.

“Among the many findings of our research, we saw that the cardiac demands of heavy snow shoveling, including marked increases in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure, could equal and exceed the upper levels achieved during maximal treadmill testing in sedentary men,” he added. “In one study, we found that after only two minutes of snow shoveling, study participants’ heart rates exceeded the upper limit — 85% of maximal heart rate — commonly prescribed for aerobic exercise testing. The least-fit subjects demonstrated the highest heart rates during shoveling.”

Franklin said it’s not only snow shoveling that can be dangerous; research shows an increased risk for heart attacks even in people using automatic snowblowers. The extra exertion of pushing a snowblower can raise heart rate and blood pressure quickly.

“The impact of snow removal is especially concerning for people who already have cardiovascular risks like a sedentary lifestyle or obesity; being a current or former smoker; having diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure; as well as people who have had a heart attack or stroke,” he said. “People with these characteristics and those who have had bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty simply should not be shoveling snow.”

Franklin said the most important thing is to be aware of the dangers, be prepared, and take it easy, including taking short breaks. For apparently healthy people who do engage in snow removal, recognize that snowblowers can reduce the demands on the heart and that pushing the snow with a shovel is preferred over lifting and throwing it.

Also, know the common signs of heart trouble, and if you experience chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, or irregular heart rhythms, stop the activity immediately. Call 911 if symptoms don’t subside shortly after snow removal.