It is important to take caution when shovelling snow to prevent a serious cardiac event.
Shovelling is hard work and can be harmful to your heart for several reasons. It can place higher demands on your heart, and your blood pressure may reach dangerous levels to maintain blood flow to your heart muscle.
Cardiac prevention experts at the Heart Institute say there are many factors to consider when assessing shovelling workload, such as:
- The weight and type of snow (dry and light versus wet and heavy).
- The size and weight of the shovel.
- The pace or speed of the activity.
- The technique used to perform the activity.
Life-saving advice for heart patients
Those with a family history of heart disease or known risk factors should avoid physical overexertion. If possible, arrange for someone else to do the snow removal for you. If you are going to shovel snow, do so safely by following the tips below to make the activity safer.
- Warm up before the activity.
- Cool down gradually afterward.
- Take your time and rest as needed.
- Wait one hour after a meal before shovelling snow.
- Use a light, small shovel.
- Limit the amount of snow in the shovel.
- Don’t lift the shovel too high.
- Use your leg muscles (do not just use your arms).
Stay safe, and share these tips with your loved ones!
