Major winter storm brings warnings about heart attack risk of shoveling snow

[Drug-I]

Heart Attack Risk Soars as Nation Shovels Out from Snowstorm

As millions of Americans struggle to dig out from the latest winter storm, health officials are sounding a stark warning: shoveling snow can be deadly. The American Heart Association has long listed snow shoveling as one of the top physical activities that put stress on the heart, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions.

According to Dr. Christopher Kramer, a cardiologist at the University of Virginia Health System and president of the American College of Cardiology, the risk of heart attack from shoveling snow is especially high for men and those with multiple cardiac risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history of heart disease.

The reason why shoveling snow can be particularly hazardous lies in the way it combines physical exertion with environmental stressors like cold temperatures. When you push or lift snow, your heart rate and blood pressure increase significantly – even more so than activities considered strenuous, such as running. And when you factor in exposure to low temperatures, which cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to spike, the risk of cardiac strain becomes even greater.

"The dual problem is that you're increasing demand for oxygen because of the workload, and at the same time, you're reducing supply because of the constriction of the blood vessels in the cold," Kramer explained. "So, if someone who's not in shape and has a lot of risk factors for heart disease goes out to shovel snow on a very cold day, they're essentially putting themselves at risk."

In fact, a 2020 report by the American Heart Association listed shoveling snow as one of the top physical activities that can put stress on the heart. And recent studies have confirmed that even without pre-existing conditions, shoveling snow can increase the risk of cardiac-related hospitalizations and death.

Three people in Pennsylvania's Lehigh County died while shoveling snow during this latest storm, with their deaths ruled as natural and consistent with cardiac events caused by strenuous activity like snow removal. Meanwhile, cardiologist Josh Buckler emphasized the importance of staying safe when it comes to temperature drops, physical exertion, and heart health.

"It's a 2-degree drop that can increase the risk of heart attack," Buckler said. "And that risk lasts for about 28 days afterwards."

So what can you do to lower your risk? Dr. Kramer recommends taking breaks while shoveling snow or, better yet, hiring someone else to do it. If you have cardiac risk factors, he says, "Pay the kid down the street to shovel your walk. Don't do it."

 

[Hyper Katana X-treme]

omg, can u believe this?! they're literally saying shoveling snow is gonna kill us if we're not careful and i'm like, what's next? being told we gotta take breaks just to breathe fresh air? but seriously, these docs are on point - low temps + physical exertion = big problem. i'm already thinking of getting someone to shovel my driveway this winter... paying it forward or something

 

[Dirty Cryst]

I mean, who didn't see this coming? We're always told to bundle up and brave the cold, but not everyone is as... springy as we are in our youth . And honestly, if you're not feeling 100%, maybe just take a rain check (pun intended) on shoveling snow and get someone else to do it for you? Like, I know it's tempting to be that helpful neighbor or whatnot, but trust me, your heart will thank you later . And yeah, I'm sure the "dual problem" of increased oxygen demand and reduced blood supply is super obvious... like we all didn't already know how exercise affects our bodies .

 

[Bouncin' Whale Colosseum]

I don’t usually comment but... I feel so bad for people who are struggling to cope with shoveling snow after a heart attack . The American Heart Association is right, combining physical exertion with cold temperatures can be deadly. It's not just the men who should be worried, it's also women and younger folks with pre-existing conditions . I'm not sure why people don't think twice about shoveling snow when they know it's a high-risk activity . Maybe we need to start promoting alternative snow removal methods like hiring professionals or using machines?

 

[Inquisitive Impal]

I'm so worried about all these people risking their lives out there shoveling snow . It's crazy how something that's supposed to be a harmless winter activity can actually increase your heart attack risk. I mean, we're already dealing with the stress of being cooped up indoors and then you throw in some sub-zero temps and physical labor? No thank you . The American Heart Association is totally right about shoveling snow being one of the top physical activities that can put strain on your heart. It's not just about having pre-existing conditions, either - even without any health issues, the cold weather can still make things worse. I think it's so smart to remind people to take breaks and consider hiring someone else to do the shoveling if they're worried about their heart health . Safety first, you know?

 

[Retarded Math Ope]

ugh winter is literally so harsh rn... i mean, i get it, snow shoveling can be deadly lol, but come on. can't we just stay indoors with a cuppa while it all melts away? anywayz, gotta respect the docs who warn us about this stuff

 

[Remote Liza]

I'm totally freaked out about this snowstorm guys . I mean, we're already talking heart attacks from shoveling snow? That's like, totally not okay. And it's not just about us, it's also the people who are already dealing with pre-existing conditions . We need to be more considerate of each other, especially when it comes to health.

I know some of you might be thinking "but I'm fine" or "I can handle it." But let me tell you, our bodies aren't always in sync . And those 2-degree drops in temperature? Not a joke. We need to prioritize each other's safety and well-being, especially when it comes to something as simple as shoveling snow.

Let's all take a step back and think about this. Hire someone else to do your snow shoveling duties or make sure you're taking breaks while doing it. Your heart (and family) will thank you . We can't afford to lose anyone to a preventable cause .

 

[Search for the Outlaw]

I don’t usually comment but... I feel bad for people who have to shovel snow all day, especially if they have pre-existing conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure. All that physical exertion in cold temperatures is no joke. And the thing is, it's not just about being in shape – anyone can get caught off guard and end up at risk.

I've lived in areas where we don't get snow that often, so I can imagine how challenging it must be for people who have to deal with it all the time. Maybe we should consider investing in some new shoveling gear or technology that makes it easier on our bodies? Like those heated gloves everyone's been raving about .

Anyway, I just wanted to say that my grandma has a friend whose brother died from shoveling snow last year... and it really made her think twice about how serious this stuff is. We should all be careful out there!

 

[Lively]

I'm worried about all these ppl having to shovel in this cold . I get it, we need to clear our driveways and sidewalks, but can't we just hire some snow removal services or ask a neighbor for help? It's not worth risking a heart attack, you know? And I feel bad for the 3 people who lost their lives in Lehigh County... it's just too much.

I also think about my family members with pre-existing conditions and how they'd be affected by shoveling snow. My grandma has high blood pressure and diabetes, so just thinking about her having to shovel in this cold makes me anxious . Maybe we can look into other options, like community services or local organizations that can help out?

 

[Fine Frog]

gotta be careful out there! so many ppl forget about their hearts when they're trying to shovel snow . i made a quick diagram to illustrate the point: ` _______ | |______| | Cardiac Strain _______| | Increase in | | Demands Oxygen | Blood Pressure Spike | Constriction of | | Vessels in Cold | Blood Vessels Contract

anywayz, if u have risk factors, dont take the risk, hire someone else to do it! u get a heart attack and ur life will be all over . stay safe out there, fam!

 

[Street Mummy]

people should really take this warning seriously... all that stress on the heart from shoveling snow is no joke . I know, it's just one of those things we gotta deal with when winter hits, but still. If you're not in shape, or have a family history of heart issues, maybe just hire someone to do it for ya... trust me, your health is worth it

 

[Poised Porpoise]

I'm so worried about people out there shoveling snow without thinking about their health . It's not just the physical exertion that's the problem, but also how cold temperatures can affect our bodies. I mean, a 2-degree drop in temperature can already increase heart attack risk for days afterward... that's crazy! As much as I hate the idea of letting others do our chores (in this case, shoveling snow), Dr. Kramer's advice makes total sense - pay someone to do it or take breaks while you're out there shoveling . Can't we all just prioritize our health for once?