02/22/2026
❄️ “Heart Attack Snow” Is No Joke ❄️
The forecasted snow isn’t the light, fluffy stuff.
Heavy, wet, dense snow… often called “heart attack snow” … makes shoveling extremely strenuous. When you mix intense physical exertion with cold temperatures that constrict your blood vessels and raise your blood pressure, you create the perfect storm for a cardiac event.
🚨 Your risk is even higher if you:
• Are over 45
• Are usually sedentary
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a history of heart disease
• Smoke or have diabetes
Every year, we respond to medical emergencies related to snow shoveling — and many of them are preventable.
🛑 Before you shovel:
• Push snow instead of lifting when possible
• Take frequent breaks
• Stay hydrated
• Dress in layers
• Don’t try to clear it all at once
If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea — stop immediately and call 911.
Sometimes the safest move is asking for help from a neighbor, friend, or hiring it out.
