DALLAS, Jan. 11, 2024 — Snow may seem harmless, but the American Heart Association warns that shoveling snow can pose a significant risk to heart health. The exertion involved in snow removal can increase the chances of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest, especially for those who are not accustomed to regular exercise.
According to the American Heart Association's 2020 scientific statement, snow shoveling is among the physical activities that put extra stress on the heart. Barry Franklin, Ph.D., FAHA, director of preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at Corewell Health East, William Beaumont University Hospital, and the lead author of the scientific statement, explains, "Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like hard work. However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be as or even more demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test." Franklin estimates that hundreds of people die each year in the U.S. during or shortly after snow removal.
Snow shoveling affects heart health in several ways. Firstly, it involves isometric or static exertion, which strains the muscles without movement in the surrounding joints. Secondly, shoveling snow mostly requires arm work, which is more taxing on the heart than leg work. Additionally, while lifting heavy loads, individuals often hold their breath, leading to increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover, standing still while shoveling causes blood pooling in the lower extremities, hindering the flow of oxygenated blood back to the heart. Lastly, breathing in cold air causes blood vessel constriction throughout the body, disproportionately raising blood pressure and constricting the coronary arteries.
Franklin emphasizes, "The movements of snow shoveling are very taxing and demanding on your body and can cause significant increases in your heart rate and blood pressure. Combined with the fact that the exposure to cold air can constrict blood vessels throughout the body, you're asking your heart to do a lot more work in conditions that are diminishing the heart's ability to function at its best."
The risks associated with snow removal are particularly concerning for individuals with existing cardiovascular risks, such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking history, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Franklin advises that individuals with these characteristics should avoid shoveling snow altogether. He warns, "We often see events in people who are usually sedentary, they work at a computer all day or get little or no exercise. Then once or twice a year they go out and try to shovel the driveway after a heavy snowfall, and that unexpected exertion can unfortunately lead to tragedy."
To reduce the increased risk from snow shoveling, the American Heart Association offers several tips. Firstly, individuals with known or suspected heart disease or risk factors should delegate the task to someone else. If shoveling is necessary, it is important to start gradually and pace oneself. Covering the mouth and nose, wearing layered clothing, a hat, and gloves are essential. Ideally, pushing or sweeping the snow is less exerting than lifting and throwing it. Extra caution is advised when there is strong wind, as it makes the temperature feel even colder and intensifies the effects of the cold on the body. Alternatively, using an automated snow blower is recommended, as it raises the heart rate less than shoveling.
In case of any symptoms during snow shoveling, such as chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, irregular heart rhythms, it is crucial to stop the activity immediately. If the symptoms persist after stopping, emergency services should be called. If someone collapses while shoveling snow, help should be summoned, and if the person is unresponsive with no pulse, Hands-Only CPR should be initiated.
The American Heart Association urges everyone to be aware of the common signs of a heart attack and stroke. By recognizing the symptoms and taking appropriate action, lives can be saved.
For more information on cold weather and cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association provides additional resources on its website.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/snow-shoveling-cold-temperatures-combine-for-perfect-storm-of-heart-health-hazards
