How Shoveling Snow Can Trigger a Heart Attack

Snow removal becomes a priority after a winter storm. But before you grab a shovel and start digging into the drifts, know this: The job ahead promises to put significant strain on your heart.

The physical exertion of shoveling snow in the cold of winter increases your risk of a heart attack. That’s especially true if you have certain underlying health issues.

So, what exactly happens in your chest when you start shoveling? We asked cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD, to explain why clearing snow can be dangerous and how you can best protect yourself.

The dangers of shoveling snow

A pair of factors come together to create a … well, perfect storm when it comes to heart attack risk from shoveling snow.

• Exertion level: Snow can be heavy, and shoveling it is a strenuous activity that can elevate your heart rate. “Snow shoveling is very similar to being at ‘peak exercise’ on a stress test, so it puts a lot of strain on your heart,” says Dr. Laffin.
• Winter conditions: Working in frigid temperatures places extra demands on your ticker. That’s because blood vessels narrow in the cold to conserve body heat. This drives up blood pressure, meaning your heart works harder to circulate blood.

And the more snow you’re shoveling, and the heavier it is, the greater your risk. Studies show an increase in heart attack-related hospitalizations and deaths following hefty snowfalls or consecutive days of snow.

Who is most at risk?

The heart attack risk that comes with clearing a snow-covered driveway goes up with:

• Preexisting heart conditions: If your heart is already weakened or compromised by some form of heart disease, the strain from shoveling snow may be too much for it to handle.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): An elevated BP brings added heart attack risk on any day. Shoveling snow increases it.
• A sedentary lifestyle: Shoveling snow can be an intense workout. If your body isn’t up for the challenge, your heart could be overwhelmed with the demands of the physical effort.
• Age: Fit and active adults in their 50s and beyond are perfectly capable of digging out after a heavy snow — but there’s also a reality that an older heart is more at risk of a sudden heart attack.
• Smoking: Puffing on cigarettes damages your cardiovascular system, making it harder for your heart to cope with the sudden exertion of snow shoveling.

Bottom line? “If you have multiple medical conditions — like coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes or overweight or obesity — shoveling snow puts your heart at risk,” states Dr. Laffin. “It can predispose you to heart attacks.”

Could you be having a heart attack?

If you’re shoveling snow and experience chest pain, trouble breathing or pain radiating down your arm or into your neck, you could be having a heart attack. “Those are some of the hallmark signs of a heart attack,” says Dr. Laffin.

Pay attention, too, if you:

• Notice you’re getting tired easily
• Feel a cold sweat coming on
• Get lightheaded or nauseous

“Don’t ignore what your body is telling you and just try to plow through,” he urges. “Stop and get medical attention.”

How to safely shovel snow and protect your heart

If you’re heading outside to shovel a wintry deposit off your driveway, Dr. Laffin offers these tips to get the job done safely.

• Push snow instead of lifting it: Whenever possible, use your shovel to push snow to the side instead of lifting and throwing it. This puts less strain on your body and heart. (If you do have to lift and throw, try not to overload your shovel.)
• Pace yourself: Take your time shoveling. If it’s a lot of snow, tackle your driveway in sections throughout the day instead of trying to finish the whole thing at once.
• Take breaks: If you feel your body beginning to tire out, head inside for a little rest. (Maybe even grab a hot cocoa to warm up!) The snow will still be there when you’re ready to go back out.
• Wear the right gear: Dress in layers when you head out to shovel. Aim to stay warm, of course, but take a layer off if you begin to feel like you’re overheating from your winter workout.
• Treat shoveling like exercise: Warming up is the first step in any workout, right? The same holds true for shoveling. Some stretching or light movement ahead of time prepares your heart and body for the task ahead.

But the most important thing, emphasizes Dr. Laffin, is to pay attention to how you feel. Heart attacks ARE more common after shoveling snow. Don’t wave off chest pain or other symptoms as nothing to worry about. Get checked out.

And if you truly want to limit your heart attack risk from shoveling, Dr. Laffin offers one last suggestion: “Hiring the kid down the street to do the job is a great idea.”