Snow Shoveling Can Trigger Heart Attacks

CARBONDALE, IL. — As Southern Illinois continues to recover from recent winter storms, cardiologists are urging residents to take precautions when clearing snow after a handful of patients were hospitalized with heart attacks linked to shoveling.

In just the past few days, SIH Prairie Heart Institute treated four patients who suffered heart attacks while clearing snow from their driveways and walkways, according to Rizwan Khan, MD, interventional cardiologist with SIH Prairie Heart Institute.

“This is actually almost a yearly thing,” Dr. Khan said. “Whenever there is a big storm and there’s a lot of snow, we tend to see these kinds of heart attacks. They can be very dangerous, and patients have to be treated very quickly to make sure they do well.” 

One recent patient in his 50s arrived with a completely blocked artery and required emergency treatment. Fortunately, because he sought care quickly, he was able to recover and return home

Why Shoveling Is So Risky

Shoveling snow may not appear strenuous, but it places intense physical stress on the body. Dr. Khan compares it to riding a bike for several miles without stopping.

“It’s almost akin to biking five or six miles,” he said. “For someone who is not very active, that’s a huge amount of exertional stress.” 

Unlike structured exercise, shoveling is goal-driven. Many people push themselves to finish the job without taking breaks. At the same time, cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the heart.

“When your arteries are already smaller from the cold and you add physical stress, it becomes the perfect mix for a heart attack,” Dr. Khan explained.

Heavy, wet snow and sleet increase the danger by adding more strain to muscles and the heart.

Who Is Most at Risk

Studies and patient data show that people over age 50, especially men, are at higher risk. Other major risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Known heart disease
• Low physical activity levels

Recent SIH patients ranged in age from about 55 to 85. Some had known heart disease, while others were unaware they had underlying blockages.

“Unfortunately, for many patients, heart disease is first diagnosed during moments like this,” Dr. Khan said.

Warning Signs to Watch For

People should stop shoveling immediately and seek help if they experience:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Jaw, arm, back or shoulder pain
• Dizziness or extreme fatigue
• Symptoms that do not improve after resting

“If symptoms aren’t getting better in five to 10 minutes, call 911,” Dr. Khan said. “Time is the most important thing.” 

Delaying care can lead to permanent heart damage or death.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Dr. Khan recommends the following steps to stay safe:

• Ask for help or hire someone if you have risk factors
• Dress warmly and stretch before starting
• Use a smaller shovel and lift lighter loads
• Take frequent breaks
• Stay hydrated
• Pace yourself and avoid rushing

“If you’re not very active, don’t think of shoveling as ‘just walking,’” he said. “It’s serious exercise.” 

Most importantly, individuals with risk factors should see their primary care provider regularly and keep blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol well controlled.

“Prevention is key,” Dr. Khan said. “We want to catch heart disease before something like this happens.” 

For more information about heart health and prevention, click here.