Snow shovelers urged to take it easy

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) While shoveling snow might not lead to health problems for most people, the American Heart Association (AMA)  warns that the risk of a heart attack can increase during snow shoveling for some people.

The AMA has the following suggestions for people shoveling snow:

While you’re outdoors in the cold weather, be aware that your heart is working harder.  If you’re not accustomed to physical activity you should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts can strain a person's heart. 

To help make snow removal safer, the American Heart Association suggests:

• Consult a doctor. If you have a medical condition or don’t exercise on a regular basis, schedule a meeting with your doctor prior to the first anticipated snowfall. 

• Take frequent breaks during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart.

• Don’t eat a heavy meal prior or soon after shoveling since it can place an extra load on your heart.     

• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol may increase a person’s sensation of warmth and may cause them to underestimate the extra strain their body is under in the cold. 

• Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia. Heart failure causes most deaths in hypothermia. Wear a hat and dress in layers of warm clothing, which traps air between layers forming a protective insulation.

• Use a small shovel or consider a snow thrower. Lifting heavy snow can raise blood pressure acutely. It is safer to lift smaller amounts more times, than to lug a few huge shovelfuls of snow. When possible, simply push the snow.

• Listen to your body. If you feel the warning signs for heart attack, stop what you’re doing immediately and call 9-1-1. 

The warning signs of a heart attack include:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck and arms.
• Chest discomfort with lightheadness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. 

For more information, call the American Heart Association at 800-968-1040 or visit www.americanheart.org .