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February 25, 2009
Thursdays winter storm brings warning to those with potential heart condition
1,200 people nationwide die annually of coronary artery disease around major snow storms
ST. PAUL, Minn. - As Minnesotans prepare for another major snowfall on Thursday, cardiologists at Regions Hospital are reminding area residents to be careful when picking up their shovels. Studies have shown a link between snow shoveling and heart attacks.
"For most people, shoveling snow doesn't present a health risk," said Dr. Antoine Khoury, a Regions Hospital cardiologist. "However, shoveling can be a vigorous physical activity and the risk of a heart attack during snow shoveling increases among older adults, those who do not exercise regularly and those who have been diagnosed with a heart condition."
Doctors at Regions offer these tips:
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If you are inactive or have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before shoveling
- Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed
- Drink plenty of water, dehydration is a big issue in the winter as well
- Warm up and stretch muscles in your arms and legs. Warm muscles work more efficiently and are less likely to be injured
- Pick the right shovel for you: a smaller blade will lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.
- Pick-up smaller loads of snow and lift with your legs not your back
- If you feel the warning signs for heart attack, stop what youre doing immediately and call 9-1-1.
- The warning signs of a heart attack include:
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
- Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck and arms.
- Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
About Regions Hospital
Regions Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin for more than 130 years. Regions is a private, non-profit hospital providing outstanding care in womens health, heart, cancer, surgery, orthopaedics, neurosciences, burn, emergency care and more. Regions is part of the HealthPartners family of care. Additional information is available at regionshospital.com.
Contact:952-883-5305
Pager: 612-629-0411
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