02/23/2026
Make heart healthy decisions out there. Snow shoveling is associated with significant health risks, including injuries, hospitalizations, and fatalities. A comprehensive study analyzing data from U.S. emergency departments between 1990 and 2006 found that an estimated 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies were treated annually, averaging about 31 per day. Over the 17-year period, this totaled 195,100 treated cases, with 1,647 deaths directly linked to shoveling—100% of which were due to cardiac-related events.
Cardiac risks: Cardiac-related incidents accounted for 6.7% of all cases, but were the most serious, responsible for over half of hospitalizations and all fatalities. Men aged 55 and older are 4.25 times more likely than younger individuals to experience heart-related symptoms while shoveling.
Injury types: The most common injuries were soft tissue injuries (54.7%) and lower back injuries (34.3%), primarily due to acute musculoskeletal exertion. Slips and falls (20.0%) and being struck by a shovel (15.0%) were also frequent mechanisms.
Demographics: About two-thirds (67.5%) of incidents involved males. Children under 18 accounted for 15.3% of cases, with nearly 15 times higher risk of being struck by a shovel—often resulting in head injuries.
Risk factors: Cold temperatures increase cardiovascular strain, and sedentary individuals with underlying heart disease (even if undiagnosed) are at highest risk. Shoveling can elevate heart rate to 97% of maximum, comparable to a treadmill stress test.
Prevention tips: Warm up before shoveling, push snow instead of lifting, use ergonomically designed tools, take frequent breaks, wear warm, layered clothing, and consider hiring help or using a snow blower—especially for those over 50 or with heart disease.
HeartOfDelawareCPR.com
