Health hazard with snow shovel There is an increased cardiovascular risk

Risk for Older: Snow shoveling can lead to health problems
Now the white splendor is finally here. Although most people would have been more excited about snow at Christmas, it is still a pleasure for many. Less pleasant is the snow shoveling. This is not only quite exhausting but can also be dangerous for some people.
Cold air and effort
The white splendor is nice to look at, but the morning snow shoving is much more exhausting than it looks. Especially the elderly and heart patients can permanently put cold air and effort on their back. This is what the pharmacy magazine "Diabetes Ratgeber" (1/2016) has pointed out in its current issue. The heart then pumps faster and needs more strength to drive the blood through the veins that are narrower in the cold. In the past, other health experts had already pointed to possible health hazards in cold weather.

Beware of snow shovel: Increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Picture: Astrid Gast - fotolia

Increased health risk in cold weather
For example, the Federal Association of Established Cardiologists (BNK) warned that there is an increased risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke or circulatory disturbances of the heart at low temperatures. According to the experts, low blood pressure automatically increases blood pressure as the blood vessels contract to regulate temperature. People with high blood pressure or underlying diseases such as coronary heart disease or arteriosclerosis are therefore especially careful in the cold months. The fact that older people in particular are at risk was shown in a study from Switzerland last year. The researchers found that untrained seniors in particular can suffer a heart attack through shoveling snow. Scientists blamed the combination of exaggerated exercise on cold air inhalation.

Warm up before snow shoveling
As the diabetes counselor goes on to say, people with asthma also need to be careful, as exertion and cold air could cause seizures. It is therefore advisable to first ask the doctor how much you can expect while snow shoveling. According to the report, snow shoveling is similar to sports activities: no cold starts from the sofa, but warm up first. Of course, it is also advisable to take breaks more often if the surface to be cleared is very large. In addition, seniors can prevent health problems in the cold by regularly perform strength or endurance training. (Ad)