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Fact Brief

Are heart attacks from shoveling snow common?

Are heart attacks from shoveling snow common?
Photo by Tsimur Asayonak on Unsplash

Yes.

Heart attacks while shoveling snow are a well-documented risk. Men with underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or low fitness are especially vulnerable.

The North Dakota News Cooperative is partnering with Gigafact to produce timely Fact Briefs, which are quick, evidence-based fact checks about trending claims relevant to North Dakota.

The American Heart Association says exertion from shoveling snow, especially in cold weather, can increase the risk of a heart attack. Cold constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure and can stress the heart when combined with strenuous activity.

A scientific review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that heavy snowstorms correlate with a 16% higher risk of heart attacks and a 34% higher risk of heart attack-related deaths in men. Women had a much lower risk elevation — 1% and 4%, respectively.

The National Safety Council says snow shoveling leads to thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths nationwide each year. The NSC recommends taking it slow, using a smaller shovel, pushing snow rather than lifting it, and calling 911 if heart attack symptoms occur.

About Fact Briefs:
Fact Briefs are bite-sized, well-sourced explanations that offer clear "yes" or "no" answers to questions, confusions, and unsupported claims circulating online. They rely on publicly available data and documents, often from the original source. Fact Briefs are written and published by newsrooms in the Gigafact network. Each brief is limited to 150 words or fewer and is not intended to provide an in-depth analysis, but rather to deliver concise, definitive answers grounded in verified information.

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

This Fact Brief was originally written by J. Craig Anderson and published by our Gigafact partner Maine Trust for Local News.

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