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Snow shoveling feels like a classic winter chore, but it’s secretly one of the toughest workouts your heart will ever face—especially in the cold. Cardiologists say the combo of heavy lifting, freezing air, and sudden effort can push blood pressure and heart rate through the roof.
Research shows around 100 heart attacks a year in the U.S. are linked to shoveling, mostly in folks over 45 (especially guys) who aren’t super active day-to-day. There’s no hard age cutoff, but if you’re over 55–60, sedentary, or have any heart history, it’s worth thinking twice.
The good news? You’ve got options: snowblowers, kind neighbors, or hiring a local kid. If you do shovel, warm up inside, take tiny scoops, breathe steadily, and stop at the first sign of chest pressure or serious shortness of breath.
Stay safe and warm out there—your heart’s got your back if you’ve got its!
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