It’s as predictable as a cold wind in an Ottawa winter, but the need to shovel snow from driveways can be much more than a back-breaking chore – it can be life-threatening pain in the chest.
A 72-year-old man from Centretown, along with three other men from the Ottawa area, experienced heart attacks earlier this month after attempting to shovel their driveways following a 20-cm snowfall.
With snow blanketing the region again this week after a mostly snow-less cold snap, shovelers should be conscious of the potential health hazards of clearing driveways and sidewalks.
A spokesman for the Ottawa Paramedic Service, Jean-Paul Trottier, says the recent heart attacks were the first of the season directly related to snow shoveling but predicted they probably wouldn’t be the last.
“It happens every year depending on the amount of snow and the type of snow,” said Trottier, noting that it’s the wet and heavy snow that causes people the most problems.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s website explains that both strenuous exercise and cold weather push the heart rate up, increase blood pressure and a blood concentration of a protein which causes blood clotting. This deadly combination is what causes chest pain (or angina) and for some, heart attacks.
Trottier recommends that residents consult a physician before the winter season begins, and that even if shoveling snow is approved by a doctor, homeowners should still take it slow.
“It’s not a race,” said Trottier, “The snow will still be there the next day.”
He also suggests removing the stress altogether by hiring either a neighbourhood youth or a private company to remove the white stuff.
For those who plan on tackling the job themselves, here is the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s “Dos and Don’ts” of snow shoveling:
- Do warm-up exercises first
- Do take frequent breaks
- Do the shoveling as part of a group or family activity when possible
- Do listen to your body and stop shoveling if you experience any suspicious symptoms
- Do wear the appropriate clothing – layering is recommended
- Do plan ahead – on days when heavy snowfalls are forecast, avoid rushing and allow adequate time for clearing the snow
- Don’t continue shoveling just to finish quickly
- Don’t shovel directly after eating a meal
- Don’t stoop to pick up the snow; bend at the knees to avoid back problems