Major winter storm brings warnings about heart attack risk of shoveling snow

TL;DR

Shoveling snow is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death.
Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, tobacco use, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and further straining the heart.
Shoveling snow can elevate heart rate to nearly maximal predicted levels.
Recent deaths during a winter storm were attributed to cardiac events during snow removal.
A Canadian study found increased cardiac hospitalizations and deaths from heart attacks in men following heavy snowfall.
Individuals with cardiac risk factors are advised to avoid shoveling or take frequent breaks.

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