'We do see this more often than you would think.' Maimonides Medical Center with shoveling tips to prevent heart-related issues
Experts at Maimonides Medical Center say many patients can suffer from heart-related issues from shoveling.
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Your health may be at risk if you’re outside shoveling during the upcoming snowstorm.
Experts at Maimonides Medical Center say many patients can suffer from heart-related issues from shoveling.
“Believe it or not, we do see this more often than you would think,” said Dr. Steven Sorci, an advanced heart failure cardiologist.
Sorci said people over the age of 50 or with preexisting conditions are most impacted, but people without heart problems or high blood pressure could still be at risk.
“You’re also outside where it’s cold, which can cause some constriction or narrowing of the blood vessels, which can raise your blood pressure,” said Sorci.
He said shoveling can be strenuous, so watch out for warning signs.
“Chest pain, if you’re feeling dizzy or light-headed, if you’re getting more shorter breath,” said Sorci.
That’s why Dr. Renat Myaskovskiy, rehab manager and physical therapist at Maimonides, said it’s important to breathe.
“When people lift snow incorrectly and they hold their breath, it tends to increase their blood pressure,” said Myaskovskiy. “[That] increases the pressure inside the heart, inside the values, which will lead to something like heart attack, stroke, things of that nature.”
Myaskovskiy said the way to shovel incorrectly is to round your back and spine, straighten your legs, then come up, turn your body and toss the snow to the side.
“The main thing is you want to protect your back, and you want to use those legs because the legs are what drives us with power,” said Myaskovskiy. “The back, kind of, gives us stability.”
Instead, he said you should spread your feet apart in a lunge position, while your shoulders are held back and stomach is in a bit; then with your dominant hand on the shovel handle, drive your back leg and push the snow forward.
Experts said you can stay safe by wearing proper footwear and layers of clothing, stretching before going outdoors, taking frequent breaks from shoveling, and only shovel small piles of snow at a time to avoid lifting heavy weight.
If you recognize any of the warning signs while you’re shoveling, you’re encouraged to seek medical help.
