SRINAGAR: Snow shovelling, a routine activity during snowfall, poses a significant risk for heart attacks, especially among individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those who are unaccustomed to vigorous physical activity, doctors said on Saturday.
Dr Irfan, a cardiologist at SMHS said that snow shovelling may trigger an acute heart attack in sedentary individuals with cardiac risk factors and must be avoided.
He said that snow shovelling can trigger heart attacks as cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure. This places additional strain on the heart. He said that shovelling snow is a high-intensity activity and requires sudden bursts of energy, which can significantly increase heart rate and blood pressure, triggering a cardiac event in vulnerable individuals.
“Conditions such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure heighten the risk during physically demanding activities like shovelling,” he said.
Doctors said that the elderly, people with underlying medical conditions, people with sedentary lifestyles, smokers, and overweight individuals are at greater risk.
They said that one must consult a doctor before engaging in strenuous activities if they have a history of heart issues. They advised people to wear clothes in layers to keep warm and reduce the strain of cold weather on the heart, stretch or perform light physical activity to prepare for the task, use a lightweight shovel, and push the snow instead of lifting it to reduce strain. They also advised taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and watching for warning signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, and seeking medical attention if such issues arise.
Meanwhile, the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has issued an advisory, asking people to stay warm, prevent respiratory tract infections, and modify outdoor activities.
“Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, remains one of the leading causes of death and morbidity globally. Alarmingly, every 40 seconds, someone experiences a heart attack. A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has identified two significant precipitating factors for heart attacks: cold weather and air pollution,” reads an advisory issued.
“The study highlighted that 10 million people globally experience disability and 500,000 deaths occur annually due to low temperatures. Cold weather has been established as a critical factor triggering both minor and major heart attacks,” it reads further.
“Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and the workload on the heart. Additionally, exposure to cold can exacerbate respiratory tract infections, further stressing cardiovascular health,” it reads.
“Air pollution has been identified as another key risk factor for heart attacks, contributing to systemic inflammation and impaired cardiovascular function,” it said.
In recommendations for high-risk groups, the advisory states that people at higher risk, including those with hypertension (HTN), diabetes, obesity, a history of smoking, previous heart attacks, or heart failure, are advised to take extra precautions during winter months.
They have been advised to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature using adequate heating, wear warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and insulated footwear, when venturing outdoors, avoid unnecessary exposure to cold environments, consider influenza vaccinations to reduce the risk of viral infections, and modify outdoor activities.
“Avoid outdoor jogging or other strenuous physical activities during cold weather, as this can increase the risk of cardiac events. There is data evolving which has established a relationship between snow shovelling and heart attack. So, people are advised to stay inside, stay warm, and avoid shovelling and other strenuous and heavy work,” it reads.
“In light of the above, it is crucial for everyone, especially high-risk individuals, to adopt preventive measures during winter to safeguard heart health. By staying warm and minimizing exposure to cold and air pollution, we can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks,” the advisory states further. (KNO)
