Shoveling snow results in at least 100 American deaths every year, as well as over 11,000 injuries that need to be treated in the emergency room, according to reports from The Washington Post.
For the vast majority of Americans, snow shoveling remains an often mundane chore that does not pose any serious health risks. But for some adults and children, the activity could be fatal.
Nearly all deaths associated with snow shoveling relate to the heart. Cold temperatures result in constriction of blood vessels, which then decreases the blood that is circulated throughout the body. This ultimately puts a strain on the heart and results in elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Even healthy individuals without any underlying medical conditions will exhibit this response to cold weather.
However, the activity of snow shoveling in cold temperatures can result in sudden and strenuous exertion by lifting heavy amounts of snow. For elderly individuals that are sedentary, the sudden exertion places stress on the heart that can potentially result in a heart attack.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that looked at over 128,000 hospital admissions found heavy snowfall to be associated with a 6% higher likelihood of hospital admission for men with a heart attack and a 34% increase in dying.
This of course does not mean that snow shoveling should be reserved only for young individuals. The health hazards of snow shoveling largely depend on one’s fitness level. As Dr. Jim Powers, geriatrician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center states, “Age alone shouldn’t be the only criteria. If you are a regular jogger, maybe you’re 65 and you’re retired and you’re jogging with no chest pain, you’re probably OK to shovel snow.”
Individuals with chronic conditions or risk factors for cardiovascular disease should exercise caution before snow shoveling. Risk factors for heart disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and high cholesterol to name a few. The reality is 60% of Americans live with at least one chronic disease, according to the CDC. In addition, nearly half of American adults have cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.
Shoveling snow can also be hazardous to one’s health beyond just the heart. Just as cold weather constricts blood vessels, it also narrows airways, making it harder to breathe particularly when shoveling snow. This can result in shortness of breath and wheezing, particularly in those with underlying conditions like asthma.
In addition, the act of shoveling is often accompanied by repetitive motions like lifting and bending, which can result in overexertion. This undoubtedly can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as herniated discs, back pain and muscular strains to name a few conditions. Musculoskeletal injuries represent the most common form of injury following snow shoveling, according to research from the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Whether or not snow shoveling is right for you is likely an individual decision based on your risk factors for cardiovascular health and your overall fitness level. Taking frequent breaks, hydrating yourself, bundling up with appropriate clothes, pushing rather than lifting snow and engaging in warm-up exercises prior to shoveling can all help mitigate the risks associated with snow shoveling. Consulting with your healthcare provider prior to embarking on snow shoveling could also be valuable, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition.
