As first winter storm of 2024 hits Capital Region, heart health experts say exercise caution while shoveling

The American Heart Association is urging individuals to exercise caution while outside shoveling during the first major snowstorm to hit the Capital Region in 2024. Studies have shown the act of shoveling high accumulations of snow could result in increased chances of a heart attack. According to a study in Canada, compared to no snow, a heavy snow of at least 7-8 inches (like is forecasted for the Capital Region on Saturday night), resulted in individuals heart rates exceeding 85 percent of their maximum heart rate, increasing their odds of a heart attack.

Having your heart rate go that quickly, in combination of shoveling heavy snow, can raise your blood pressure," Dr. Mandeep Sidhu, Board President of the American Heart Association, says. "And, the cold can also constrict your coronary arteries, or the arteries that feed blood flow to the heart muscle. "So. the combination of all of these factors at once can put somebody at increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest from shoveling heavy snow." Sidhu says people who have had bypass surgery, or any other heart condition, should not be shoveling. Those with a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol are encouraged to go slowly if they decide to shovel. Everyone is advised to take breaks while shoveling, and to call 9-1-1 if experiencing any sign of heart trouble.