The link between shoveling and heart attacks

As anyone who has dug out from a heavy snowstorm can tell you that shoveling snow is a full-body exercise. Several minutes of bending over, rotating and lifting heavy snow simultaneously can challenge the muscles in your arms, legs and back.

This intense activity can also challenge your heart, and the results can be dangerous. Here's what you need to know.

Shoveling snow is an intense workout

You wouldn't make your return to the gym after a year off by signing up for a high-intensity cardio or strength training class. Well, when you prepare to shovel your driveway after the first heavy snow of the season, that's essentially what you're asking of your body.

Studies have found an association between winters with heavy or frequent snowfalls and an increase in hospital admissions or deaths due to heart attack.

"One of the reasons that heart attacks are common during this time of year is that shoveling snow and even using a snow blower are strenuous activities. If you're deconditioned or are not working out regularly, you're forcing your body to take on a task it's not prepared for," says Tarun Mathur, MD, FACC, a cardiologist at Main Line Health.

Cold weather makes your heart work harder

When the weather is cold, your blood vessels constrict. This restricts oxygen and blood flow to the heart, which means your heart has to work harder to do its job. A few minutes in the cold might not put you at significant risk, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, coupled with restricted oxygen flow to the heart, can be a dangerous combination and lead to a heart attack.

"To mitigate this risk, it's important to dress in layers and take breaks when spending extended time outdoors in the cold," says Dr. Mathur.

Additionally, winter can weaken the immune system and the flu has been linked to a heightened risk of heart attacks. This time of year, it's important to get your flu vaccine and practice good hygiene, like regular handwashing, to protect your heart.

Lastly, winter weight gain from holiday indulgences can lead to plaque build-up in arteries, further straining the heart. Balancing treats with staying active and trying lighter recipes can help.

Muscle aches can mask heart attack symptoms

Regardless of your fitness level or experience, it's not uncommon to feel a little sore after shoveling. Pain in the chest, arms or back could be a result of muscle strain… or it could be the warning symptoms of a heart attack.

"Many people are quick to dismiss the symptoms of a heart attack and delay calling 911, especially women. This is often because their symptoms are not always 'textbook' symptoms, such as feeling like an elephant sitting on your chest. Often times their symptoms can be more vague, such as shortness of breath or nausea," says Dr. Mathur. "So if you notice symptoms like chest pain or pain in your neck, arms, jaw or back, don't shrug it off."

If your symptoms persist or if they're accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue or lightheadedness, call 911 immediately.

What you can do instead

You can't change the weather, but you can change how you deal with the aftermath of the next winter storm. If you're not typically active or have a history of pulmonary or cardiac issues, leave the shoveling to someone else. Ask a family member or neighbor for help and, if you need to, hire a service to clear your driveway and walkway for you.

If you absolutely must shovel, take the following steps to protect yourself and your heart:

• Shovel in shifts — take frequent breaks to warm up inside
• Wear several layers and cover your nose and mouth
• Take breaks to hydrate with water
• Shovel smaller, lighter loads
• Only clear areas necessary to walk or drive

And, if you start to feel dizzy, tired, out of breath or a sudden pain anywhere in your body, stop immediately. Taking a break to go inside and breathe won't derail your progress, but it could save your life.

Next steps:

Make an appointment with Tarun Mathur, MD, FACC
Learn more about heart care at Main Line Health
Deciding if a coronary calcium screening is right for you