What is heart attack snow?

My husband had severe cardiac strain after clearing heavy wet snow in the US. Please do not take this lightly; sudden heavy physical exertion in freezing cold can cause blood vessels to constrict and trigger attacks. Get a cardiac clearance if you live in such regions.

We lived in Canada for a bit and this was a huge warning for older folks and parents. Heavy, wet snow is so heavy that even healthy teenagers get tired quickly. Please don't let your elderly parents or kids do any heavy snow clearing work.

I ignored severe breathlessness while clearing heavy wet snow years ago, thinking it was just the cold air, and ended up in the ICU. If your body is screaming to stop, listen to it immediately. Go get a proper heart checkup before winter sets in.

Medically, 'heart attack snow' is a colloquial term for heavy, wet snow. The combination of cold temperatures, which constricts arteries, and the sudden, isometric exertion of lifting heavy snow increases blood pressure drastically. Consult your physician about safe activity levels in cold climates.

I read about this online and now I get so nervous whenever it snows heavily here. Does anyone else get sudden chest tightness just from walking in the freezing cold? I always worry it might be a warning sign.

I literally experienced this last winter while clearing our driveway. I felt a sudden tightness in my chest and had to be rushed to the clinic. It is called heart attack snow because the extreme physical strain of lifting that heavy slush is a huge cardiac risk.

If you are living in a snowy area, don't try to clear the heavy wet snow all at once before heading to work. Hire local help or use a snowblower if you can afford it. Saving a little time or money is not worth a sudden medical emergency.