How do you shovel snow safely, and when does a snow blower make sense?
Short answer: Push snow rather than lift it, lift smaller amounts more often, and take frequent breaks. Skip heavy meals and alcohol around shoveling. Call 911 within five minutes if you feel chest discomfort. A single-stage snow blower handles up to about 8 inches on pavement; a two-stage model handles deeper snow and gravel.
Why is shoveling snow hard on the heart?
The American Heart Association (AHA) says cold temperatures combined with physical exertion increase the workload on the heart. It notes that lifting a heavy shovelful can raise blood pressure briefly during the lift. Walking through heavy, wet snow or deep drifts adds strain too.
The AHA singles out people with heart failure, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It also advises checking with a doctor first if you have a medical condition, don’t exercise regularly, or are middle-aged or older.
How do you shovel snow without hurting yourself?
The AHA’s core advice is short:
| Do | Why (per AHA) |
|---|---|
| Push the snow when you can | Lifting briefly raises blood pressure |
| Lift smaller amounts more times | Safer than a few huge shovelfuls |
| Take frequent rest breaks | Lets you notice how your body feels |
| Use a small shovel or a snow thrower | Smaller loads, less lifting |
| Skip a large meal just before or after | AHA advises against it |
| Skip alcohol before or right after | It can make you underestimate the strain in the cold |
General ergonomic habits, not from the AHA page, also help: bend at the knees and hips, keep the load close, and turn your feet instead of twisting your back.
What are the warning signs to stop shoveling?
Stop and get help for any of these, which the AHA lists as heart attack warning signs:
- Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
- Discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness
The AHA says not to wait more than five minutes to call 911. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital unless you have no other option.
Single-stage vs. two-stage snow blower: which do you need?
This Old House describes the two main gas-blower types this way:
| Type | Auger | Snow depth | Surfaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-stage | Rubber, touches the ground | Up to about 8 inches | Best on pavement; poor on loose gravel |
| Two-stage | Steel, sits slightly above the ground | Over 8 inches | Wider range, including gravel |
A snow blower makes sense if you have a long or wide driveway or get frequent storms. It also makes sense if a doctor has told you to limit heavy exertion. The AHA itself suggests a snow thrower as an alternative to lifting. For light snow on a short walk, a pusher-style shovel may be enough.
How do you use a snow blower safely?
This Old House gives these rules:
- Never clear a clog with your hands. Turn the engine off, wait for all moving parts to stop, then use a clearing tool or wooden stick.
- Never run it in an enclosed space, including a closed garage. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO).
- Turn off the engine and let it cool before refueling.
Check your owner’s manual for model-specific steps. Keep a working CO alarm in the house too; see where to put carbon monoxide detectors. Store spare fuel properly, as covered in how to store gasoline safely.
What about snow on the roof?
Don’t climb onto a snowy roof. A long-handled roof rake lets you pull snow off the lower edge while standing on the ground. Clearing that edge can help reduce ice dams; see how to prevent ice dams. Watch for overhead power lines when using a metal rake.
Quick answers
Is shoveling snow bad for your heart? It can be. The AHA says cold plus exertion increases the heart’s workload, and heavy lifting briefly raises blood pressure.
How do you unclog a snow blower? Never use your hands. Use a clearing tool or wooden stick, with the engine off and all parts stopped.
Can you run a snow blower in the garage? No. Run it only outdoors because of carbon monoxide risk.
When should you call 911 while shoveling? If you have chest discomfort or other warning signs, the AHA says call within five minutes.