LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The American Heart Association cautions that heavy exercise in cold weather can put strain on the heart, leading to negative health effects even for people without a history of heart disease.

“Weather forecasters may call it ‘white fluffy stuff,’ however, snow can be a bigger danger than many people may realize,” the organization wrote in a release. “Research shows that the exertion of shoveling snow may lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.”

What does the research say?

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Research from AHA volunteer and cardiovascular expert Dr. Barry Franklin estimates that hundreds of people die during or shortly after snow removal each year.

“Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like heard work,” Franklin said. “However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be as or even more demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test, according to research we’ve conducted.”

Franklin and his team of researchers found that after just two minutes of snow shoveling, study participants’ heart rates exceeded 85% of maximal heart rate (around 170 beats per minute), a level of cardiovascular strain linked to intense aerobic exercise. Exposure to cold air also raised participants’ blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

What are some recommendations?

In addition, Franklin recommended that people at higher risk for cardiovascular complications, including obesity, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or certain heart procedures should avoid snow shoveling altogether.

“We often see events in people who are usually sedentary, they work at a computer all day or get little or no exercise,” Franklin said. “Then once or twice a year they go out and try to shovel the driveway after a heavy snowfall and that unexpected exertion can unfortunately lead to tragedy.”

For people who cannot shovel snow, Franklin recommended either enlisting a neighbor’s help or using an automated snow blower, which raised participants’ heart rates to a safer level of around 120 BPM. He also suggested pushing or sweeping snow rather than lifting it and warned shovelers to pay attention to the cooling effects of wind chill.

What are the signs of a heart attack?

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Common signs of a heart attack include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, chest, or stomach; shortness of breath; cold sweats; nausea; and lightheadedness. Chest pain is the most common symptom, but women are more likely to experience other, less specific symptoms.

People have approximately 90 minutes to receive heart attack treatment before critical heart tissue is damaged, according to the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, making it critical to call 911 immediately if heart problems are suspected.

“The movements of snow shoveling are very taxing and demanding on your body,” Franklin said. “Combined with the fact that the exposure to cold air can constrict blood vessels throughout the body, you’re asking your heart to do a lot more work in conditions that are diminishing the heart’s ability to function at its best.”