Listen to the article
Shoveling snow might seem like a routine winter task, but it comes with significant risks, especially for older adults and people with heart conditions. Exposure to cold air causes blood vessels throughout the body to constrict, which can sharply raise blood pressure and narrow the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to your heart. This combination of cold and exertion creates a perfect storm for heart attack risk, so it’s crucial to take precautions before heading out with your shovel. The additional risk of icy conditions now adds falls to the equation, so you have many reasons to ask the following question:
Is It Safe for You to Shovel Snow in the Cold?
Heavy snowfall (7-8 inches) is linked to a 16% increase in heart attack hospital admissions and a 34% increase in deaths for men, compared to days with no snow, according to the American Heart Association.
If you are not regularly physically active, the added strain of shoveling in freezing temperatures can be dangerous. The cold air causes the body to constrict the vessels that supply the heart with oxygen. People who are middle-aged or older, not accustomed to regular exercise, or with a history of heart issues should consider hiring someone else to do the job or using a snow blower. If you have risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, and general deconditioning, be smart and avoid a heart attack due to shoveling snow.
Preparation: What to Do Before Shoveling
Do not just walk outside unprepared and start shoveling. That could be a big mistake. Dress well in layers, warm up by walking and dynamic stretching as you would before a workout, and drink some water.
Dress in Layers
Wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Cover your mouth with a scarf to help warm the air you breathe. This is critical, as your body will trigger a vasoconstriction response if you start to lose body heat and feel the cold air on your skin and lungs. The colder the weather, the warmer you need to dress. Consider double sweat pants and top, boots, gloves, a hat and a scarf, or face gator, to help warm your face and extremities.
Warm Up
Do some light stretching, indoor cardio or gentle activity to get your muscles ready for the task. Get your body warm and ready to move.
Hydrate
Drink water before heading outside to keep your body properly hydrated. During the winter months, the air is usually dry, which increases your risk of becoming dehydrated more quickly. Take water breaks often and avoid caffeine before and during cold exposure and work.
When Outside and Working, Follow this Advice
If you expect heavy snow of 12 inches or more, shovel often. Every 4-5 inches of snow, go outside for 10- to 20-minute spurts of work, pushing snow rather than lifting it. Come inside to warm up for 5-10 minutes and continue. But, most importantly, listen to your body. Stop immediately if you feel tired, dizzy or short of breath, or you experience chest pain. Then, when you are done, allow your body to gradually warm back up to normal temperature.
Be alert for signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness or pain radiating to your arm or jaw. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 right away. If you’re at high risk for heart problems, consider hiring someone to shovel for you or use a snow blower — just be cautious with any equipment. Protecting your heart is more important than clearing the driveway.
If you need to get back into physical fitness, check out the wide range of workout articles in the Military.com Fitness Section. There are beginner workouts, best practices and flexibility and mobility tips that help everyone, from the young beginner to the retiree, discover both human performance and longevity.
Want to Learn More About Military Life?
Whether you’re thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.
Read the full article here
25 Comments
I’m curious about the long-term effects of repeated exposure to cold air and exertion on the heart, does it increase the risk of heart disease over time?
The statistic that the cold air causes the body to constrict the vessels that supply the heart with oxygen is alarming, and it’s essential to take precautions to prevent this from happening.
I’m surprised that the article mentions dressing in layers, including a hat, gloves, and scarf, as a way to prevent vasoconstriction response, I’ll definitely keep that in mind next time I shovel snow.
I’m concerned about the risk of icy conditions adding to the equation, making falls a significant hazard while shoveling snow, especially for older adults.
The article’s warning about the dangers of shoveling snow in freezing temperatures is a timely one, and it’s essential to prioritize cardiovascular health, especially during winter months.
I’m curious about the potential benefits of using a snow blower instead of shoveling snow, does it reduce the risk of heart attack and other health issues?
I appreciate the article’s emphasis on the importance of gradual warming up and cooling down when shoveling snow, it’s essential to allow the body to adjust to the changing temperatures.
I appreciate the emphasis on warming up before shoveling snow, including light stretching and indoor cardio, it’s essential to get the muscles ready for the task.
I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of drinking water before heading outside to keep the body properly hydrated, doesn’t caffeine also play a role in dehydration?
Caffeine can exacerbate dehydration, but the article specifically advises against consuming it before and during cold exposure and work.
I’m surprised that the article doesn’t mention the importance of proper footwear when shoveling snow, it’s essential to wear boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
The idea that shoveling snow can be a ‘perfect storm’ for heart attack risk due to the combination of cold and exertion is a compelling one, and it’s essential to take precautions to mitigate that risk.
The article’s suggestion to consider hiring someone else to do the job or using a snow blower for people with risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, and general deconditioning is a sensible one.
The statistic that people who are middle-aged or older, not accustomed to regular exercise, or with a history of heart issues should consider hiring someone else to do the job or using a snow blower is a sobering reminder of the risks involved.
The 16% increase in heart attack hospital admissions and 34% increase in deaths for men on days with heavy snowfall is alarming, and I think it’s crucial for people to take necessary precautions before shoveling snow.
The article’s warning about the dangers of dehydration during winter months, especially when shoveling snow, is something that people often overlook, but it’s crucial to stay hydrated.
The American Heart Association’s findings on the link between heavy snowfall and increased heart attack risk should be a wake-up call for everyone, especially those with pre-existing heart conditions.
I completely agree, my grandfather had a heart attack while shoveling snow last year, and it was a real scare for our family.
The fact that heavy snowfall is linked to a significant increase in heart attack hospital admissions and deaths is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing cardiovascular health, especially during winter months.
The advice to shovel often, every 4-5 inches of snow, and take breaks to warm up is practical and makes sense, especially for those who are not regularly physically active.
I’ve been doing that for years, and it’s really helped me avoid fatigue and potential health issues while shoveling snow.
I’m concerned about the potential risks of shoveling snow for people with pre-existing medical conditions, and I think it’s essential to consult with a doctor before engaging in any strenuous physical activity.
I’ve experienced the dangers of shoveling snow firsthand, and I can attest to the fact that it’s not just a routine winter task, but a potentially hazardous activity that requires caution and preparation.
The importance of listening to one’s body and stopping immediately if feeling tired, dizzy, or short of breath while shoveling snow cannot be overstated, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The article’s advice to push snow rather than lifting it is a practical one, as it reduces the strain on the back and heart.