‘Unsupervised stress test’: Doctor urges caution shoveling snow
MetroCreative
While the snow looks beautiful coming down, getting rid of it can be a dangerous chore – especially for those who have heart problems.
Dr. Sundeep Ekbote said studies have shown that the heart rate jumps to 85% of its maximum capacity within two minutes of shoveling snow.
“It’s like an unsupervised stress test,” he said.
While those who are healthy and fit typically don’t have much difficulty ridding walkways and sidewalks of snow, those who are less fit and have conditions like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure put a dangerous amount of strain on their heart.
“If you’re not fit and not on a regular exercise regimen, you shouldn’t be the one out there clearing the snow, simple as that,” said Ekbote, the regional chief medical officer and director of emergency medicine with Penn Highlands Southwest, which includes Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley. “Hire someone else to do it.”
According to the American Heart Association, snow shoveling is mostly arm work, which is more taxing and demanding on the heart. The AHA also noted that people often unconsciously hold their breath when straining to lift a heavy load, causing an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure.
Breathing cold air can also be a problem because it constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure and simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries, according to the AHA.
When there’s 8 inches or more of snow to shovel, Ekbote said the risk of a heart attack increases by one-third.
“That doesn’t sound as impressive as it really is,” he said. “People who aren’t fit are really at risk.”
Ekbote said signs of a heart attack include any type of chest or arm pain, being overly sweaty, short of breath or very dizzy.
Should any of those things occur, “You should stop immediately and call 911 for help,” he said.
For those who must shovel snow, the AHA recommends starting gradually, pacing yourself, dressing properly and ensuring your mouth and nose are covered.
If pushing or sweeping snow is an option, the AHA recommends that over lifting and throwing it.