What is Heart Attack Snow?

Shoveling snow in the winter time is one of the most dangerous activities for sedentary people to do. Though a necessary part of everyday life in much of the country, having to shovel snow can be very risky because it's actually considered to be a very strenuous activity. In fact, there's such a thing called 'heart attack snow.' It's the really heavy and wet snow - the slushy snow - that sometimes falls in late autumn or in spring, though it can fall in the heart of winter, too.

The Dangers of Heart Attack Snow

This heart attack snow is notorious for literally causing heart attacks because it's so much more difficult to move around with a shovel than lighter, fluffier snow. Heart attack snow is also given its name because, unfortunately, many people who shovel snow really shouldn't be without better conditioning. The heavy, wet snow ominously referred to as heart attack snow can create many problems for those who don't work out, aren't generally healthy, or are unable to lift heavy weights.

Look at it this way - if you spend much of your time sitting behind a computer, driving a car, and not exercising every day, would you decide to suddenly endure a half-hour weight lifting session - perhaps moving around dumbbells weighing 30, 40, even 50 pounds or more? Well, when you go out to shovel snow, that's what you're doing. Shuffling around tens of pounds of snow with each scoop of snow you take off your sidewalk or driveway.

Tips For Shoveling Snow

Because shoveling heart attack snow - or wet snow - can be so dangerous, it's encouraged that those whose health isn't as good as it can be not take part in digging the snow shovel out of the garage and clearing off the driveway or sidewalk. Hire a snow shoveling service or enlist the help of a local young person instead.

However, if you decide to shovel your own snow, especially heavy, wet snow, be sure to use some of these tips:

• Don't dig into the cold snow without warming up your body first with some stretches.
• Move snow the shortest distance possible; if you're going to be lifting, you might as well not have to dump the snow too far away.
• Push the snow rather than lift it. This will exert less stress on your body.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Don't rush the job. It's better to take your time shoveling snow and take frequent breaks if you tire quickly.
• Take smaller loads of snow; don't pile too much snow up on your shovel, especially if it's wet snow.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Avoiding a heart attack while shoveling snow is always the goal. However, even if you do your very best to prevent a heart attack while out to shovel snow , there's always the risk that a heart attack may still occur. Here are some of the signs that you may be experiencing a heart attack:

• Discomfort or aches in your chest
• Pain in your upper body that may radiate into your arms, shoulders, or jaw; this pain may occur without chest discomfort
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abrupt sweat that might also be accompanied with cold, clammy skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Anxiety or panic attack
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain

Should you experience any or all of these symptoms while shoveling snow or son afterward, you may be experiencing a heart attack. You should immediately seek medical attention and dial 911 right away.

*The author of this article is not a medical professional. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding your overall health and specific guidelines for shoveling snow based on your individual health circumstances.

Resources

Firsthand knowledge
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-attack-symptoms/HB00054
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/outdoor-projects/4345389