Heavy Snowfall Sparks Heart Attack Alarms: The Hidden Dangers of Shoveling
When a blizzard hits, we're warned to stay indoors and wait for the storm to pass. But what happens when the snow is heavy and wet – dubbed "heart attack snow" by meteorologists? For many people, shoveling snow can become a deadly task.
A study published in 2011 found nearly 200,000 U.S. residents were treated in emergency departments for snow-shovel related injuries between 1990 and 2006. Moreover, nearly 1,650 cardiac-related deaths were recorded during that time period. Canadian researchers have also warned of the dangers of shoveling heavy snow, with storms dumping at least 7-8 inches increasing the risk of men being hospitalized for heart attacks by 16% and dying from them by 34%.
So why is shoveling snow so hazardous to the heart? Dr. Benjamin Rosenfeld, a cardiologist at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital, explained that shoveling can unmask pre-existing cardiac disease in people who are typically sedentary or minimally active. The intense physical task required for clearing heavy snow can push an already strained cardiovascular system over the edge.
Furthermore, cold, dry air can cause vasoconstriction – a tightening of blood vessels – which puts more strain on the heart and lungs, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart or lung disease.
Even healthy, fit people are at risk. Dr. Rosenfeld cautioned that shoveling snow is a defined task that requires physical effort, but it's not like exercising until you feel tired. The mental pressure to complete the task can lead people to push their bodies beyond what's safe and comfortable.
The American Heart Association advises individuals with pre-existing heart or lung disease and those with risk factors for heart disease – such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking – to take precautions when shoveling snow. If you're heading out to shovel, Dr. Rosenfeld recommends hiring someone or having a younger family member help you.
Most importantly, listen to your body. If symptoms persist, don't ignore them. Take breaks frequently, warm up before starting, and drink plenty of water. Don't feel obligated to clear every speck of snow – prioritize your health.
Harvard Health offers additional tips for safe shoveling:
• Warm up before shoveling
• Shovel light loads instead of heavy ones
• Take frequent breaks
• Drink plenty of water
• Prioritize clearing only the essential areas
• Stop immediately if symptoms occur, and call 911 or your local emergency number.
When a blizzard hits, we're warned to stay indoors and wait for the storm to pass. But what happens when the snow is heavy and wet – dubbed "heart attack snow" by meteorologists? For many people, shoveling snow can become a deadly task.
A study published in 2011 found nearly 200,000 U.S. residents were treated in emergency departments for snow-shovel related injuries between 1990 and 2006. Moreover, nearly 1,650 cardiac-related deaths were recorded during that time period. Canadian researchers have also warned of the dangers of shoveling heavy snow, with storms dumping at least 7-8 inches increasing the risk of men being hospitalized for heart attacks by 16% and dying from them by 34%.
So why is shoveling snow so hazardous to the heart? Dr. Benjamin Rosenfeld, a cardiologist at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital, explained that shoveling can unmask pre-existing cardiac disease in people who are typically sedentary or minimally active. The intense physical task required for clearing heavy snow can push an already strained cardiovascular system over the edge.
Furthermore, cold, dry air can cause vasoconstriction – a tightening of blood vessels – which puts more strain on the heart and lungs, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart or lung disease.
Even healthy, fit people are at risk. Dr. Rosenfeld cautioned that shoveling snow is a defined task that requires physical effort, but it's not like exercising until you feel tired. The mental pressure to complete the task can lead people to push their bodies beyond what's safe and comfortable.
The American Heart Association advises individuals with pre-existing heart or lung disease and those with risk factors for heart disease – such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking – to take precautions when shoveling snow. If you're heading out to shovel, Dr. Rosenfeld recommends hiring someone or having a younger family member help you.
Most importantly, listen to your body. If symptoms persist, don't ignore them. Take breaks frequently, warm up before starting, and drink plenty of water. Don't feel obligated to clear every speck of snow – prioritize your health.
Harvard Health offers additional tips for safe shoveling:
• Warm up before shoveling
• Shovel light loads instead of heavy ones
• Take frequent breaks
• Drink plenty of water
• Prioritize clearing only the essential areas
• Stop immediately if symptoms occur, and call 911 or your local emergency number.
but on the other hand, i know some ppl might not have a choice (like elderly or those living alone) and they gotta clear the snow anyway. maybe the american heart association is being too harsh with their tips? like, why can't we just shovel a lil bit at a time instead of taking all these breaks? 
but then again, if u shovele heavy loads without warmin up 1st... that's just askin for trouble 
. honestly, i think it's all about bein aware of ur body and knowin when to stop, but also not bein too hard on ppl who can't shovel like they're tryna live forever 
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It's about listening to our bodies and taking care of ourselves. When the storm passes, can't we just focus on healing rather than rushing back into a task that could harm us? 
! I mean, think about it - those heavy snowflakes are like tiny little assassins, striking at our vulnerable hearts without warning 
. It's crazy how even healthy folks can get caught off guard by the physical strain of shoveling. My uncle actually had to go to the ER last winter after a heart attack from shoveling snow - it was a wake-up call for him! 
The American Heart Association is right on point with its advice: take precautions, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to ask for help 
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. I mean, who knew shoveling snow could be life-threatening? 
and we saw some crazy wildlife on the way 
. Like, have you ever seen a bison take a dust bath? 
I'm so over the thought of wearing long sleeves and boots just to leave my house. Let's get some sunshine in here! 
i mean who thought shoveling was a good idea when you're already iced up to the bone? my grandpa tried to shovel his driveway last year and ended up needing an epi pen because he had a heart attack 
now he just leaves it all for us youngins to deal with 
anyway, i think dr rosenfeld makes some valid points about pre-existing conditions and mental pressure but what about people who are just naturally fit and healthy? like me lol shouldnt they be exempt from getting "heart attack snow" too 
I mean, yes, clearing the driveway is super important, but can't we just take a few extra minutes to wait for someone else to do it or use that fancy snow removal service? 
It's not worth risking a heart attack or worse, especially when there are so many other things we can do to stay safe and healthy 
. And what's with the "heart attack snow" label? Is that just a way of saying we're all just a little bit crazy during these storms? 
. And yeah, let's be real, if you have to shovel snow alone, get some help from someone or go all out and hire a snowplow service lol!
I'm like totally worried about people shoveling snow in these crazy blizzards! The heart attack thing is super serious, you know? 
I'm all about listening to your body and taking breaks when you need them. And honestly, hiring someone to help with the shoveling isn't a bad idea at all! 
And the worst part is, even healthy folks can get hurt if they push themselves too hard. My grandma used to shovel snow when she was older and I remember her always saying "take breaks, dear!" 
Now I think that's some solid advice. We gotta prioritize our health over clearing every speck of snow