Winter Killer: Heart Attack Snow

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Clearing snow for people over 50 can be a deadly task with extreme strain placed on the heart, life threatening consequences are possible.

An alarming number of heart attacks are linked to shoveling snow and the risks increase with age. It’s called heart attack snow, you know the wet and heavy type. And with the combination of cold temperatures and sudden bursts of physical exertion, a problem is created. It’s called “heart attack snow”.

Here’s what’s happening…

Older adults typically live sedentary lifestyles, especially during the winter. So when heavy snowfall hits, they rush outside to clear driveways and sidewalks, exposing their bodies to intense physical activity they may not be conditioned for.

Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow well. When paired with the physical strain of lifting heavy snow, this blood pressure and heart rate increase, forcing the heart to work harder. For someone with underlying heart disease or risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, this sudden exertion can trigger a heart attack. 

It doesn’t help that people naturally hold their breath while lifting heavy objects. It’s a phenomenon known as the Valsalva maneuver. This sudden pressure jolt can significantly spike blood pressure, increasing the risk of a cardiac event.

The most common warning sign is chest pain or tightness, often described as a squeezing, pressure, or burning sensation. But symptoms can manifest in many ways. Some people experience shortness of breath. Others may notice pain radiating to their arms, neck, jaw, or back. Dizziness or lightheadedness shouldn’t be ignored either, as feeling faint or unsteady while shoveling can signal serious problems. If you break out in cold sweats, despite freezing temperatures, this often indicates distress, so does unexplained nausea or stomach discomfort. If any of these symptoms occur, it is crucial to stop immediately and call 911 without delay.

Overall, people should pace themselves and take regular breaks every 15 minutes. Using a smaller shovel helps limit the weight of each load, making the task less strenuous. Whenever possible, push snow rather than lifting and tossing it. It’ll help reduce strain on the heart.

Using a snowblower significantly reduces physical strain. So when possible, hire help, it can even be a neighbor or family member, either way it’s a safer alternative.

While snow removal remains necessary here in Wisconsin’s winters, it should never become a rushed or careless task for those over 50.

Shovel safely my friends.