Each winter, emergency departments see a predictable and preventable spike in heart attacks, many occurring while people are shoveling snow.
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and increasing the heart’s workload. Combine that with sudden, intense exertion in individuals who may not exercise regularly, and the risk rises sharply. Add breath-holding and straining while lifting heavy snow, and you have the perfect setup for reduced blood flow to the heart and dangerous rhythm disturbances.
What makes this especially concerning is that early warning signs, such as chest pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, or arm and jaw discomfort, are often ignored or attributed to the cold or “being out of shape.”
Shoveling snow is not just a chore. For many, it is one of the most physically demanding activities they do all year.
If you or your family have cardiovascular risk factors, the safest option is simple: don’t shovel — get help.
When in doubt, listen to your body and stop immediately if symptoms arise.
Take care of your heart, stay warm and safe. Like all storms, this too shall pass!
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(𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.)
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Featured
Pages
- Learn about heart valves. Heart Valves
- Read testimonials. Testimonials
- Did you know I have a consulting firm? Singer Heart/Lung Consulting
- Check out my TedTalk! Defining Success
Links
- Links page with more information about your heart. Links
- Dr. Adam Pick's Site: heart-valve-surgery.com
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Not every day will offer clarity. Not every chapter will feel fair. But the light that guides us forward is often born in the very moments that test us the most.
Keep going. Keep believing. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.
