Here's how shoveling show can be risky to your health - Scorecard - MDSpire

Here's how shoveling show can be risky to your health

  • By

  • The Associated Press

  • January 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: The Health Risks Associated with Snow Shoveling Activities

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionCardiovascular stress and risk of heart attack during snow shoveling
Key MechanismsHeavy exertion increases heart workload; cold-induced vasoconstriction raises blood pressure, increasing cardiac risk
Target PopulationOlder adults, individuals with known heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and generally sedentary individuals
Care SettingCommunity and home settings during snow removal activities

Key Highlights

  • Snow shoveling can make the heart work as hard as during a major workout, even for short durations.
  • Cold temperatures cause blood vessel constriction, raising blood pressure and cardiac risk.
  • Older adults and those with cardiovascular risk factors are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke during snow shoveling.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Recognize common warning signs of a heart attack during or after snow shoveling.

Management

  • Take frequent breaks and avoid over-exertion while shoveling snow.
  • Go slow and push snow instead of lifting and throwing it to reduce cardiac strain.
  • Call 911 immediately if experiencing heart attack symptoms.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor for symptoms of cardiac distress during snow removal, especially in high-risk individuals.

Risks

  • Risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest increases with heavy exertion in cold weather.
  • Individuals with pre-existing heart disease or risk factors are particularly vulnerable.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Older adults and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors engaging in snow shoveling

Encourage gradual activity, symptom awareness, and emergency response preparedness during snow removal.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Advise at-risk patients to avoid strenuous snow shoveling or to perform it cautiously with breaks.
  • Educate patients on recognizing heart attack symptoms and the importance of prompt emergency care.
  • Promote cardiovascular risk factor management to reduce susceptibility to exertion-related cardiac events.

References

Original Source(s)

Here's how shoveling show can be risky to your health

  • by The Associated Press

  • January 26, 2026

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