Can you get a heart attack from shoveling snow?

Question

My brother lives abroad and told me about people getting heart attacks from shoveling snow. We don't get much snow here, but it made me wonder about sudden strenuous activity in cold weather. Is that a real risk, even for healthy people?

Saraswati Iyer · Accepted Answer

Yes, sudden heavy physical labor like shoveling snow in cold weather can trigger a heart attack because the cold constricts blood vessels. Before traveling to cold regions or starting such tasks, it is wise to budget for a basic health checkup and ECG, which costs around Rs 500-1000 in most Indian labs, just to know your heart status.

Shreya Ghoshal · Answer

I totally get it, when you are in a beautiful snowy place, you don't think twice about clearing the snow yourself. But the sudden intense exertion in the freezing cold can put a massive load on your heart. Please take regular breaks and see a doctor immediately if you feel any chest heaviness.

Rohan Joshi · Answer

When my seniors went to Kashmir last winter, they said shoveling snow was surprisingly exhausting and made their chests feel super tight. The mix of cold air and heavy lifting is no joke for the heart. If you ever feel out of breath or have chest pain while doing it, stop immediately and get medical help.

Gurbaksh Singh · Answer

Putra, heavy physical work in the freezing cold should never be done suddenly if you are not used to it, as the cold air narrows your arteries. Always keep your chest well-covered with warm woolens and drink warm water to stay hydrated. If you feel any chest pain, sit down immediately and seek hospital care.

Amina Khatun · Answer

Yes, shoveling snow is a well-known trigger for heart attacks due to intense exertion in cold weather. Please see a doctor immediately if you experience chest pain.

Can you get a heart attack from shoveling snow?

5 answers

Consult a cardiologist

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