Heart Health
Is snow shoveling safe for people with heart disease?
Ask the doctor
My kids used to shovel the snow from our driveway each winter, but now that they've left for college, I've taken over this task. Is this safe, given that I had a mild heart attack a few years ago?There are two reasons why this particular activity is hazardous: intense exercise and cold temperatures. First, shoveling snow — especially wet, heavy snow — puts a much higher workload on the heart than what people normally do for their exercise. To estimate the intensity of an activity or exercise, experts often use metabolic equivalents (METs). One MET is how much energy you use just sitting still. Moderate-intensity exercises are 3 to 5.9 METs, while vigorous-intensity exercises — like shoveling snow — are 6 METs and higher.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
