Snow Shoveling Could Increase Risk Of Heart Attack In Men, Study Suggests

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A new study suggests that snowfall is linked with an increased risk of hospital confinement due to heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) especially in men. The researchers discovered correlations of greater snowfalls and a longer period of snow.

The latest research headed by Dr. Nathalie Auger, of the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre in Montréal, Quebec was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The researchers analysed the link between heavy snowfalls, long spans of snow, and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI).

The forceful aerobic activity might be a great exercise, but lifting a very heavy snow puts a higher amount of tension on the arms than legs. As a result, there will be an increase heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen demand. Alongside inhalation of cold air, this can cause unfavorable cardiovascular episodes called the "snow shoveler's infarction."

Researchers analysed data from two databases only in places prone to massive snowfalls. They gathered a total of 128,073 patient admissions and 68,155 deaths due to MI that happened in Quebec between 1981 and 2014.

The team obtained details during the winter months between November and April. They also received weather information from Environment Canada in each region being studied like daily snowfall and temperature.

Generally, Dr. Auger and team discovered a relationship between heavy snowfall and a higher chance of both nonfatal and fatal MI Medical News Today reported. Almost 60 percent of hospital confinement and casualties are due to MI in men. One-third of MI cases was even stronger after snowfalls with a duration of two to three days.

There was a direct association between high risks of MI and continuous snow days. In addition, these risks include men of any age and health conditions, but the effects were not recognized in women.

Snow shoveling is an exhausting cardiovascular activity needing greater than 75 percent of the maximum heart rate, specifically heavy loads. The study believed it as the leading mechanism that links snowfall with MI. Men have the highest probability to shovel than women, especially following heavy snowfalls.