‘Be safe rather than sorry.’ Doctors warn of dangers of shoveling snow
Dr. Tamanna Singh says that in the cold, people’s bodies are also working to maintain their core temperatures, which puts strain on the heart.
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Doctors are urging everyone to take it easy while shoveling snow or deicing vehicles. They say this is especially true for those with underlying medical conditions, like heart disease or high blood pressure.
"You're going out into very chilly weather, which it could also be a very different climate than you're accustomed to, so a stressor to the body, trying to do something that's incredibly physically challenging,” says Dr. Tamanna Singh, a cardiologist with the Cleveland Clinic.
Singh says that in the cold, people’s bodies are also working to maintain their core temperatures, which puts strain on the heart. As blood vessels constrict, blood pressure and heart rate both rise. She says that for those who already have heart problems, this can be dangerous.
"This is why we tend to see a number of heart attacks or cardiac consequences when people are shoveling snow or doing a lot of heavy effort, high-intense work in cold weather or snowy conditions,” says Singh.
To protect one’s heart, Singh says not to underestimate the weather. Dress in layers outside and wear sweat-wicking clothing. People should also cover all areas of their bodies that lose heat, like the ears and the head. They should also put on thick socks and gloves.
"Put in some breaks if you're shoveling, ask for some help. If there's a better time of day to do some of that shoveling, like under the heat of the sun, I would certainly advocate for that,” Singh says.
The doctor says to be aware of red flag symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, jaw pain or tightness and general unease.
“I definitely encourage all of my patients to be safe rather than sorry in these situations,” says Singh.
If something feels off, Singh advises getting inside and calling 911.
