The American Heart Association has issued urgent warnings about cardiovascular risks associated with snow removal as a significant Arctic blast prepares to deliver the coldest air of the season across much of the United States. The organization emphasizes that the exertion of shoveling snow in extreme cold conditions can be deadly, particularly for those with existing heart conditions or risk factors.
Research cited in the American Heart Association's 2020 scientific statement, Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Deleterious Adaptations Following Long-Term Exercise Training: Placing the Risks Into Perspective–An Update, identifies snow shoveling among physical activities that place extra stress on the heart. This is especially concerning for individuals who aren't accustomed to regular exercise, as the combination of cold temperatures and physical exertion forces the cardiovascular system to work significantly harder.
"If you've ever taken a treadmill stress test or seen one on TV, imagine that same strain on your heart while you are trying to clear your driveway of heavy snow," explained Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "That strain combined with the arctic cold expected this winter could lead to a heart-related emergency - especially for those who aren't physically fit or people with existing heart conditions."
The physiological mechanisms behind this increased risk are multifaceted. Shoveling primarily involves arm work, which places greater strain on the heart compared to leg work. Additionally, lifting heavy loads often causes people to unconsciously hold their breath, spiking both heart rate and blood pressure. Cold air further compounds these effects by constricting blood vessels throughout the body, raising blood pressure and tightening coronary arteries.
For business and technology leaders responsible for workplace safety and employee wellness programs, these warnings carry significant implications. Companies with operations in affected regions should consider implementing policies regarding snow removal for employees, particularly those with known cardiovascular risk factors. The risk is especially elevated for individuals with sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking history, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or prior cardiac events.
The American Heart Association provides specific recommendations to mitigate these risks. For those with known or suspected heart disease, the organization strongly advises having someone else handle snow removal. When shoveling is unavoidable, individuals should start gradually, pace themselves, and use proper protective clothing. Pushing or sweeping snow involves less exertion than lifting and throwing it, while using an automated snow blower raises heart rate less dramatically than manual shoveling.
Organizations can access additional resources through the American Heart Association's website at heart.org, including information on cold weather and cardiovascular disease. The association also emphasizes the importance of recognizing heart attack and stroke symptoms, recommending immediate cessation of activity if chest pain, lightheadedness, or heart palpitations occur, and calling emergency services if symptoms persist.
For technology companies developing workplace safety solutions or health monitoring devices, this announcement highlights opportunities for innovation in cold-weather safety protocols. The intersection of extreme weather events and cardiovascular health represents a growing concern for employers, particularly as climate patterns evolve and workplace wellness becomes increasingly integrated with operational planning.
