Tausi Insider

Photo : SKatzenberger ( Shutterstock ) You may have heard of people—elderly folks in particular—getting a heart attack from shoveling snow. But what’ s so dangerous about shoveling? And is everybody at risk, or is this pretty rare? Here’s what you should know. Snow shoveling is hard exercise The connection between shoveling and cardiac events is real. The American Heart Association cites several studies that found higher rates of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths after snowstorms. Shoveling is hard work, and it can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to rise far higher than levels that are considered safe for sedentary people with heart conditions. Cold temperatures also seem to make chest pain more likely, possibly because your arteries can constrict in the cold. Who should check with a doctor before shoveling? You may have heard the advice to check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program. We have more information on that here : most people don’t need ...