Shoveling snow can be great exercise — but it also puts a lot of strain on your heart, especially when temperatures are low and heavy snow needs moving. Cold weather makes your blood vessels tighten and your blood pressure go up, and lifting or throwing snow can push your heart rate as high as during an intense workout — even if you’re not used to that kind of activity.
Studies have found that after heavy snowfall, heart attack rates go up significantly — particularly among men and people with heart risk factors. One large study showed a 16% increase in heart attack hospitalizations and a 34% increase in heart attack deaths after big snow events.
🧠 6 Tips to Shovel Safely (and Protect Your Heart):
✔ Warm up your muscles before starting.
✔ Shovel small amounts of snow at a time — lighter loads are key.
✔ Push snow instead of lifting it whenever possible.
✔ Take frequent breaks — don’t rush through it.
✔ Stay hydrated and dress in layers.
✔ Avoid shoveling right after a heavy meal or first thing in the morning.
✔ If you have heart disease or risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, prior cardiac events) — ask for help or avoid shoveling entirely.
🚨 Know the signs of a heart attack: chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or pain in the arms/neck/back. Call 911 immediately if you experience these.
Stay safe, take it slow, and let’s look after one another this winter! ❄️💛
