Shoveling Snow can be Bad for your Heart
Clearing your driveway and sidewalk of snow is essential, but it carries a serious health risk for some people. Cold temperatures, sudden bursts of effort and lifting heavy snow can place unexpected and dangerous stress on your cardiovascular system.
Why snow shoveling puts your heart at risk
Hospitals often see a rise in cardiac events during and shortly after snowfalls. Shoveling combines isometric exertion, repetitive lifting and brisk movement—an intense mix that can quickly strain the heart.
This demand is even greater because cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates your blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen to your muscles.
Starting strenuous activity abruptly—especially after a period of lower activity—can spike your heart's workload and increase the chance of a plaque rupture and clot formation, which can contribute to a heart attack.
Risk tends to be higher for:
- Adults over 45
- Anyone with a sedentary lifestyle
- People with dehydration
- Those shoveling right after a large meal
- People with pre-existing conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or known heart disease)
- People who smoke
Signs of heart stress
Pay attention to symptoms that could point to heart strain:
- Chest pain or pressure—often described as squeezing, tightness or heaviness
- Breathlessness out of proportion to effort
- Lightheadedness
- Sudden fatigue
- Cold sweats
- Nausea
- Pain that radiates to the arm, neck, jaw or back
If symptoms start or worsen with exertion and ease with rest, reduced blood flow to the heart could be the culprit. The cold can further raise blood pressure and strain, increasing the risk of heart attacks while shoveling snow. Warm up indoors, take frequent breaks and use smaller, lighter shovel loads to limit demand. These small adjustments can make a meaningful difference when it comes to heart attack and snow shoveling risk.
Stop immediately if you feel chest discomfort, persistent breathlessness, faintness or new palpitations. Call 911 if symptoms are severe, last more than a few minutes or return with activity.
Heart-safe snow shoveling tips
Prepare right
Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes with light marching, arm circles and torso rotations. Add calf raises and ankle rolls to boost circulation, and drink water to stay hydrated. Dress in layers so you can maintain warmth without overheating—both the cold and excessive exertion can impact heart disease concerns.
Use techniques that minimize strain
Push snow instead of lifting when possible. If you need to lift, keep loads small, bend at the hips and knees and hold the shovel close to your body. Avoid twisting—pivot your feet to turn. Take short, frequent breaks, especially when snow is heavy or wet. Stop at the first sign of chest pressure, unusual shortness of breath, lightheadedness or radiating pain to reduce the chance of a heart attack.
Choose tools that make the job easier
A lightweight, ergonomic shovel with a curved handle can reduce effort and improve body mechanics. A smaller blade limits load size, and push-style designs help move snow efficiently. Nonstick shovel surfaces prevents heavy buildup. Thoughtful preparation and technique can lower the likelihood of heart attacks while shoveling snow. If possible, use a snow blower.
