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Tis' the Season for Cocoa, Colds, and...Coronaries
Steve Mason/Photodisc/Thinkstock Photo
Don't let the snow bury your heart. The more frigid the air, the more your blood vessels constrict, increasing your risk of a heart attack. That’s because constricted vessels cause your blood pressure to spike and can reduce oxygen flow to the heart.
Meaning spending an hour outside while shoveling can be deadly for sedentary individuals whose hearts can’t handle the exertion on top of the potentially deadly weather conditions, says Holly Andersen, M.D., director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
To lessen your risk of a failed heart during the chilly season, follow these suggestions from Dr. Anderson:
Don’t jump out of bed and into a trap.
Before shoveling your driveway, limber up with movement prep or walking.
Dress properly.
Wear windproof and waterproof outer garments, place a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm up the air before you breathe it in and wear layers. Bundling up will help maintain your body heat.
Avoid overexertion.
Try the less strenuous technique of pushing snow with the shovel rather than lifting it. Also, take frequent breaks—shovel for 15 minutes, then rest for 15.
Adjust for age.
If you’re over 50 and overweight, sedentary, smoke, or have had a heart attack, consult a doctor before shoveling. You may want to hire a local teenager to do the job until you’re able to better condition your body.
About The Author
David Schipper – David began writing for CorePerformance.com in 2008, after spending six years at Men's Health magazine digging up the newest scientific research in health, weight loss, nutrition, muscle and cardiovascular fitness.
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