Am I safe when shovelling snow? What to know after two Canadians died from heart attacks
Many of us will likely be reaching for our shovels at some point this winter. Here's how to stay safe.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
As heavy snowfall, strong winds, blizzard-like conditions and biting cold descended on parts of Canada this weekend, safety is top of mind for many Canadians. Beyond the inconvenience of snowdrifts and power outages, there's a more insidious threat that lurks beneath the snow-covered landscapes — an increased risk of injury, and even heart attacks.
Over the weekend, two people from Renfrew County, west of Ottawa, died after suffering cardiac while clearing snow.
The county's chief paramedic Michael Nolan told the CBC the victims, aged between 50 and 70 years old, were shovelling snow before bystanders rushed to call the paramedics. They both tragically died in hospital, and now the paramedic is warning other Canadians of exerting yourself in the snow.
"We want to help people reduce their likelihood of injury or death by taking it easy and really thinking about how they're preparing and feeling while they're exerting so much energy," Nolan said in the CBC story.
Many of us will likely be reaching for our shovels and salt at some point this winter, which could mean increasing our risk of injury, or worse. But what should you be looking out for? Here's what you need to know about staying safe.
Snowfall linked to spike in injuries— from slip and falls to more serious emergencies
Every year, thousands of Canadians are hospitalized for injuries sustained while shovelling. Researchers have also found that the physical strain of removing snow can trigger serious and fatal health incidents like heart attacks, in addition to more common ailments like back strains and "slip and fall" injuries.
Additionally, a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows a link between heavy snowstorms and heart attacks that either result in death or hospitalization. Between 1981 and 2014, researchers in Quebec found that 65,000 people died from heart attacks and 128,000 were hospitalized during or after heavy snowfalls.
Experts advise people to follow certain steps when it comes to shovelling snow and to seek help when you need it.
Can shovelling snow cause a heart attack?
Although the act of shovelling snow isn't necessarily bad for your health, a combination of factors can increase your risk of heart attack.
"With snow shovelling you go from nothing to everything in a matter of seconds and that challenges your cardiovascular system much more than if you do aerobic exercise for example walking or going to the gym," says Dr. Adrian Baranchuk, a cardiologist with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
The overexertion of shovelling, especially if you're not physically fit and used to exercise, combined with cold temperatures which increase your blood pressure can put a strain on your heart.
Who's at risk of heart attack while shovelling snow?
People with a history of heart disease and those who are over the age of 55 are at an increased risk of heart attacks while shovelling snow.
"In our research we found if you have family history of early cardiovascular disease your risk of presenting a snow shovelling heart attack event increases four times," Baranchuk explained in an interview with Yahoo Canada last year.
Research also shows that men suffer more heart attacks than women during or after shovelling.
To prevent health-related costs, refrain from shovelling snow, ask for help, or hire a younger neighbour to help with snow removal.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
The next time you pick up a shovel, make sure to play it safe and watch out for any signs that your heart may be in distress. People experiencing a heart attack may experience:
Chest pain
Pressure in the chest that comes and goes
Tight feeling in the chest
Shortness of breath
Pain radiating towards your neck and arm
Although the symptoms listed above are the most common, there are other, lesser known symptoms of heart attack you should never ignore — especially if you're a woman. According to the Mayo Clinic, women are more likely than men to experience heart attack symptoms unrelated to chest pain.
Other symptoms of heart attack can include:
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Stomach pain
Cold sweats
Nausea or vomiting
Numb or pinching feeling in the arm
Neck, jaw or upper back pain
Heartburn or indigestion
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop what you're doing and call 911 to seek medical attention immediately.
First two hours after heart attack are critical
According to Baranchuk, the first two hours after a heart attack are critical. However, many people delay getting help, which greatly affects the level of treatment doctors can provide.
"The impact in the short and long term, the consequences of that are dramatically associated with the time elapsed since the initiation of the symptoms to our ability to open the artery," he explains. "If the patient doesn’t call early enough then all those minutes account for our inability to reinstitute the flow in the vessel and to keep the patient normalized."
Tips for how and when to shovel the snow safely
If you’re going to shovel snow, don’t do it all at once. Shovel one section of the driveway, take a break and go inside to warm up. Hydrate before going back outside.
Another tip? Don't hold your breath. The American Heart Association notes that since many people hold their breath while lifting and discarding snow, the heart experiences greater changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
It’s also recommended to stretch before getting started and to avoid shovelling on a full stomach. If possible, Baranchuk recommends shovelling snow in the afternoon or evening rather than in the early morning.
"That is a well-known time of the day where there is significant peak of heart attacks," he says.
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