Snow Shoveling Can Be Deadly, NJ Cardiologist Cautions

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Do you have a history of cardiac issues? Has it been a while since you’ve been to the doctor? Then you might want to think twice before picking up a shovel and start digging yourself out of Thursday’s snowstorm, a New Jersey cardiologist says.

On Thursday afternoon, cardiologist Sabino Torre, along with Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, cautioned people with a cardiac history, as well as those who have not had a recent medical evaluation, to avoid shoveling.

“When a person’s body is cold, particularly their extremities, their blood vessels constrict, adding more stress to the heart,” Torre said.

• See related article: These Snow Shoveling Tips Might Save Your Life (VIDEOS)

Torre advised those who experience any chest discomfort, arm pain, or difficulty breathing while shoveling that does not resolve with rest to go to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For healthy individuals who are going to shovel, Torre shared some basic steps to take to reduce the stress on their heart:

• Wear adequate, protective and warm clothing, including a hat, gloves and warm boots.
• Dress comfortably and warmly, using layers.
• Stretch out your muscles before going out to shovel.
• Drink plenty of water to make sure you are hydrated, and avoid caffeinated beverages.
• Start slowly and increase your heart rate gradually.
• Push the snow instead of lifting it.
• Take frequent breaks and go inside to warm up.

Think that the above advice isn’t worth heeding? According to Saint Barnabas Medical Center, more than 11,500 people suffer a heart attack after shoveling snow each year. A study of sedentary men found that their relative heart rates exceeded the upper limits recommended for aerobic exercises after only two minutes of shoveling.

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Unwary shovelers are risking more than just injury, according to reports. Last January, a pregnant Pennsylvania teen died after shoveling snow during the blizzard, her family told reporters. The baby did not survive.

Her family said that the teen — who reportedly suffered from several heart defects — insisted on shoveling even though they tried to tell her to stay inside.

• See related article: Pregnant Pottstown Teen Dies After Shoveling Snow, Family Says

In February of 2015, 10 Illinois residents died while shoveling snow during a heavy winter storm. One resident was in his 40s and three were in their 50s. The remaining six residents were in their 60s, authorities said.

• See related article: 10 Cook County Residents Die Shoveling Snow, Medical Examiner Says

Read about some other possible snow shoveling-related deaths below.

• See related article: 3 Deaths After Snow Shoveling, Police Say
• See related article: Smithtown Man, 94, Dies After Using Snow Blower
• See related article: Huntington Station Woman, 75, Dies After Shoveling Snow

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Photo: Flickr / Alan Kotok