Name: Shoveling snow can be more dangerous than you think
Uploaded: 2026-01-20T14:44:29.029Z
Duration: 1 min 5 s
Description: Shoveling snow may seem like a harmless winter chore, but the wrong conditions can turn it into a serious health hazard. Heavy, wet “heart attack snow,” combined with cold temperatures and overexertion, can push your heart and body into dangerous territory.

Shoveling snow may seem like a harmless winter chore, but the wrong conditions can turn it into a serious health hazard. Heavy, wet “heart attack snow,” combined with cold temperatures and overexertion, can push your heart and body into dangerous territory.

Shoveling snow is associated with several health risks, including back injuries, muscle strain, hypothermia, and even cardiac events, particularly when dealing with wet, heavy snow. Cold temperatures can further increase the strain on the heart and respiratory system, making the activity more dangerous.

The moisture content of the air affects the weight of the snow, with warmer air producing heavier, wetter snow and colder air resulting in lighter, powdery snow. Experts recommend dressing in layers, staying hydrated, seeking help if needed, and paying close attention to physical well-being while shoveling.

Shoveling snow can be more dangerous than you think

Shoveling snow might not top your list of most dangerous activities, but it actually can be pretty risky because the weight of snow can vary pretty drastically. Back injuries, muscle strain, even hypothermia or asthma attacks. Not all snow is powdery and fluffy and light. We actually nickname wet, heavy snow heart attack snow because there's been so many cases of people having cardiac events after shoveling this type of snow. Cold temperatures actually constrict your blood vessels and then that heavy snow causes your heart muscles and your respiratory system to go into overdrive. Warmer air can hold more moisture, which is going to make the snow heavier and wetter, which will make it more difficult to shovel. So on the flip side of that, if the air is colder, so you're thinking more of the teens, the 20s, when that snow is falling, that air can hold less moisture so the snow will be drier, more powdery, and likely easier to shovel. Make sure to dress in layers in case you need to take some off if you start to get overheated and also you want to hydrate. You could ask a neighbor, hire someone to help with your shoveling, or my personal favorite, buy a snowblower. But really the biggest thing is to just pay attention to your body.

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