How old is too old to be shoveling snow? Adults over 45 may want to be cautious.

Greta Cross
Updated ·3 min read

The season for snowfall has already begun in several parts of the country, and one of the most laborious chores related to the winter weather is snow shoveling.

Though the task may just be another household chore to some, snow shoveling can be dangerous, and even fatal, to people with underlying health conditions. According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, nearly 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for snow-shovel-related accidents from 1990 to 2006, and more than 1,600 deaths were reported in that time frame.

Snow shoveling is a vigorous activity and puts a lot of demand on the body's heart and musculoskeletal system, said Bethany Barone Gibbs, an epidemiology and biostatistics professor at West Virginia University and volunteer with the American Heart Association. People with heart conditions are more likely to have a cardiac event when shoveling snow, and people with musculoskeletal conditions or impaired balance are at higher risk for fall injuries.

Gibbs said people with these conditions should get help from someone in good health to complete the chore. But if snow shoveling must be done, shovel a little at a time, take breaks and dress appropriately.

Here's what to know.

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How old is too old to be shoveling snow?

"I wouldn't want to draw a line in the sand with an age cutoff," Gibbs said when asked who should and should not be shoveling snow. "Someone very young with a heart or musculoskeletal condition should not shovel snow, while someone who is older but very fit and without heart of musculoskeletal conditions might be fine to shovel snow."

When it comes to those more at risk when shoveling snow, a American Heart Association spokesperson said adults older than 45 should be cautious. The association also advised extra care for people with known or suspected heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. People who regularly smoke, are very inactive, are obese or are habitually sedentary should be careful, too.

How does snow shoveling put a strain on the heart?

There are five main stressors on the heart when shoveling snow, retired American Heart Association expert Dr. Barry Franklin said in a news release:

  • Static exertion that involves the contraction of muscles without movement in the surrounding joints.

  • Arm work, which is more taxing on the heart than leg work.

  • Strained body while lifting heavy loads, during which most people unknowingly hold their breath, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Legs not in motion or not in frequent motion can lead to pooling of blood in the lower part of the body, which means it is not getting back to the heart for oxygenation.

  • Cold air causes constriction of blood vessels, which disproportionately raises blood pressure and constricts coronary arteries.

What are common symptoms of a cardiac event?

According to the American Heart Association, common symptoms of a cardiac event, like a heart attack, include chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms.

If you experience any of these symptoms while doing yard work this winter, stop. If the symptoms don't stop immediately, call 911.

How do you reduce injury while shoveling snow?

The first, and perhaps most obvious, answer is asking someone else to do it, but if that cannot be done, there are precautions that can be followed.

In the news release, Franklin advised people to push or sweep snow rather than lifting and throwing it. That involves less exertion. And if the wind is blowing, be extra-careful. Wind makes temperatures feel colder than it actually is and has effects on the body.

Snowblowers are also safer and quicker to use than shovels. According to the American Heart Association, research shows using a snowblower raises the heat rate to about 120 beats a minute compared with a heart rate of about 170 beats a minute when shoveling.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Snow shoveling isn't for everyone: Older adults should be cautious