Snow, Snow & More Snow - Heart Healthy Snow Removal

I can't help but be grateful for the fluffy white stuff that has been falling lately, but, did you know snow shovelling can trigger heart problems and even lead to heart attacks? Be careful out there! Here is a handy, informative article posted on HSW with tips on safe snow shovelling & clearing:

January 31, 2011 - @dvice: Snow removal safety tips for your heart - Combo of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart

Event Highlights | Information Sources

Event Hightlights

With a major winter storm on its way to parts of eastern Canada, I thought it would be a good time to post some information on winter weather heart health. We've all heard warnings that snow shovelling can be a trigger for heart problems.

Many public health and public safety organizations provide excellent advice. Below is information provided by the American Heart Association. JA (in loving memory of my grandfather who suffered a heart attack after snow shovelling).

Combo of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heartThe American Heart Association says that for most people, shovelling snow may not lead to any health problems. However, the association warns that the risk of a heart attack during snow shovelling may increase for some, stating that the combination of colder temperatures and physical exertion increases the workload on the heart. People who are outdoors in cold weather 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.

More information on how cold weather affects the heart.
To help make snow removal safer, the American Heart Association has compiled a list of practical tips:
•Give yourself a break. Take frequent rest breaks during shovelling so you don’t over stress your heart. Pay attention to how your body feels during those breaks.
•Don’t eat a heavy meal prior or soon after shovelling. Eating a large meal can put an extra load on your heart.
•Use a small shovel or consider a snow thrower. The act of lifting heavy snow can raise blood pressure acutely during the lift. It is safer to lift smaller amounts more times, than to lug a few huge shovelfuls of snow. When possible, simply push the snow.
•Learn the heart attack warning signs and listen to your body, but remember this:Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives - maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1
•Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shovelling. 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.
•Consult a doctor. If you have a medical condition, don’t exercise on a regular basis or are middle aged or older, meet with your doctor prior to the first anticipated snowfall.
•Be aware of the dangers of hypothermia. Heart failure causes most deaths in hypothermia. To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers of warm clothing, which traps air between layers forming a protective insulation. Wear a hat because much of your body’s heat can be lost through your head.
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense - the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
•Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
•Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
•Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
•Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

More information on heart attack warning signs.
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive - up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room. If you can’t access EMS, have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you’re the one having symptoms, don’t drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.