Safe Snow Shoveling

While most people won't have a problem, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack. Sudden exertion, like moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can significantly strain the heart. Pushing a heavy snow blower also can cause injury. And there's the cold factor. Cold weather can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrict arteries, which decreases blood supply. This is true even in healthy people. Individuals over 40 or who are relatively inactive should be cautious.