The American Heart Association warns that the extra effort of shoveling snow, especially in cold temperatures, can lead to dangerous heart problems for many people.
DALLAS, Jan. 11, 2024 — Weather forecasters may refer to snow as “white fluff,” but snow can be a bigger hazard than many people realize. there is. The effort of shoveling snow can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary as the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for everyone. Research has shown that there is.
The American Heart Association’s 2020 scientific statement, “Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Adverse Adaptations After Long-Term Exercise Training: Putting the Risks in Perspective – Update,” discusses the effects of extra stress on the heart. Among the physical activities that may be involved is shoveling snow. Especially among people who are not used to exercising regularly. Numerous scientific research studies over the years have shown that snow shoveling is dangerous for people with and without heart disease.
Dr. Barry Franklin, FAHA, lead author of that scientific statement and a longtime American Heart Association volunteer, is one of the leading experts on the science behind the cardiovascular risks of snow shoveling. He has written numerous studies on the subject and estimates that hundreds of people die each year in the United States during or immediately after snow removal.
“Shobbing a little snow off the sidewalk may not seem like hard work, but research we’ve conducted shows that shoveling a heavy snowfall can be as taxing as taking a treadmill stress test. It can put even more stress on the heart,” said Dr. Roberts, director of preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at William Beaumont University Hospital Corewell Health East and a member of the department of internal medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Royal Oak, Michigan. “For example, after just two minutes of snow,” said Franklin, who is also a professor of science. ”
Franklin pointed to five major factors that affect heart health when shoveling snow.
- Snow shoveling primarily involves isometric or static movements that contract muscles without moving the surrounding joints.
- The act of shoveling snow is primarily an arm job, which puts more strain on the heart than leg work.
- When we strain to lift heavy objects, such as shoveling snow, we often involuntarily hold our breath, which significantly increases our heart rate and blood pressure.
- Because you’re standing most of the time while shoveling snow, your legs don’t move much, which means blood pools in your lower legs and prevents oxygenated blood from returning to your heart, where it needs it.
- When you breathe cold air or are exposed to cold air, blood vessels throughout the body constrict, raising blood pressure disproportionately and constricting your coronary arteries (which are about the size of boiled spaghetti).
“The act of shoveling snow is very taxing and taxing on the body and can cause a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure,” Franklin says. “When you combine that with the fact that exposure to cold air can cause blood vessels throughout the body to constrict, you end up demanding more work from your heart, a situation that reduces its ability to function at its best. Masu.
Franklin said snow removal can affect people who live a sedentary lifestyle, are obese, are current or former smokers, have existing cardiovascular risks such as diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, or have had heart disease. He warned that this is of particular concern. attack or stroke.
“People with these characteristics or who have had bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty should not shovel snow under any circumstances,” he said. “We often see this happen to people who are sedentary, who work at a computer all day, or who do little or no exercise. Sometimes, after a heavy snowfall, you go outside and try to shovel your driveway, but that unexpected effort can unfortunately lead to tragedy.
Franklin recommends the following tips to reduce the increased risk of shoveling snow.
- If you know or suspect that you have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, ask someone else to remove the snow for you.
- If you must shovel snow, start gradually and go at your own pace. Always cover your mouth and nose, wear layers of clothing, and wear a hat and gloves.
- Ideally, it’s a little less effort to push and sweep the snow instead of lifting and throwing it.
- Be especially careful when the wind is blowing, as it will feel colder than the actual temperature and the cold will have a greater effect on your body.
- Use an automatic snow blower instead of shoveling snow. Although you should proceed with caution and be aware of your physical condition, research shows that using a snow blower increases your heart rate to about 120, while your heart rate during shoveling is about 170.
The American Heart Association encourages everyone to learn the common signs of heart attack and stroke. If you experience chest pain or pressure, dizziness, palpitations, or irregular heart rhythm, stop the activity immediately. If your symptoms do not immediately subside after you stop shoveling or shoveling snow, call 9-1-1. If you see someone collapsed while shoveling snow, call for help and if the person is unresponsive and has no pulse, begin manual CPR.
Learn more about cold weather and cardiovascular disease.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is constantly working to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move forward into his second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media inquiries:
Cathy Lewis: cathy.lewis@heart.org
General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
