The arrival of winter often brings a picturesque landscape, but it also introduces a potentially serious health risk many overlook: snow shoveling. While seemingly innocuous, the physical exertion of clearing snow can place a significant strain on the cardiovascular system, particularly for those with underlying heart conditions or who are unaccustomed to strenuous activity.
A large, two-decade Canadian study found a concerning correlation between snowfall and heart attacks in men. The incidence of sudden heart attack spiked by 16% in men of a certain age during and after significant snowstorms, leading to a 34% increase in deaths. While the study didn’t observe the same link in women, experts caution that doesn’t negate the risk for anyone.
Why is Snow Clearing So Dangerous?
The danger lies in a combination of factors. Wet snow is surprisingly heavy – studies have shown an average shovelful can weigh 16 pounds. Repeated lifting, even for short periods, quickly adds up. “That’s 16 pounds per shovel, 12 lifts a minute for 10 minutes,” explains Barry Franklin, Ph.D., a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and director of Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, MI. “That adds up to almost 2000 pounds, the weight of a subcompact SUV.”
Beyond the weight, the act of shoveling itself is particularly demanding. A study conducted by Dr. Franklin and his team revealed that a shoveler’s heart rate can increase to 97% of their maximum heart rate – a level comparable to that achieved during a maximum exertion treadmill test. Here’s further compounded by the cold temperatures common during snowstorms. Cold air causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and reducing blood flow, placing additional stress on the heart.
The way we shovel also contributes to the risk. Shoveling is a “static exertion,” meaning you’re stationary while using your upper body to lift heavy loads. This type of exertion places a disproportionate strain on the heart compared to activities that engage larger muscle groups, like walking or running. Lifting with your arms, holding your breath while straining, and blood pooling in the lower extremities due to prolonged standing all exacerbate the cardiovascular stress.
Age and Underlying Health Conditions: Key Risk Factors
While anyone can experience strain from shoveling, the risk increases with age and the presence of pre-existing heart conditions. “People don’t run into trouble if they’re 20 or 30 because they haven’t developed coronary artery disease,” says Dr. Franklin. “But if they’re 45 to 50 or older, with known or hidden heart disease, especially people who are habitually sedentary, this activity is very dangerous.”
Hidden heart disease is a significant concern. Many individuals are unaware they have underlying cardiovascular issues until a stressful event, like shoveling snow, triggers symptoms. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol further elevate the risk. Even without diagnosed heart disease, a sedentary lifestyle increases vulnerability.
According to a report, a 2001 study found that 85% of adults over the age of 50 already experience symptoms that can lead to coronary artery disease. This highlights the importance of caution for a large segment of the population.
Cardiologists generally recommend that individuals over 45 exercise increased caution when shoveling snow. For those over 65, particularly those with risk factors for heart disease, the recommendation is to be “very, very cautious” or avoid shoveling altogether, advises Dr. Navjot Kaur Sobti, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at Northwell’s Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York.
Safer Alternatives and Precautions
Fortunately, there are steps individuals can take to mitigate the risks associated with snow removal.
- Consider Hiring Help: For those in their seventies and eighties, or with significant health concerns, paying someone to clear the snow is a prudent investment.
- Push, Don’t Lift: Pushing the snow rather than lifting it reduces the strain on the heart and back.
- Dress Appropriately: Layer clothing to stay warm and protect against the cold, including a hat, gloves, and scarf.
- Avoid Heavy Meals and Stimulants: Refrain from consuming heavy meals, smoking, or alcohol before or after shoveling.
- Pace Yourself: Take frequent breaks to allow your heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal.
- Consider a Snow Blower: While still requiring exertion, using a snow blower can be less physically demanding than shoveling.
- Recognize Warning Signs: “If you have pain or discomfort anywhere from the belly button up, stop,” says Dr. Franklin. Any symptoms suggestive of a heart attack – chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness – warrant immediate medical attention.
Snow shoveling, while a common winter chore, carries a real risk of cardiovascular events, particularly for older adults and those with underlying health conditions. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can enjoy the winter season safely.
