1 day Ago By Ryan McNamara
FARGO — With heavy snow coming on Tuesday, April 1, and expected through Wednesday, a Sanford cardiologist is warning people to be cautious when shoveling, as it can increase the risk of heart attack or cardiac arrest. Dr. Jason Go, an interventional cardiologist at Sanford, said shoveling heavy snow is considered maximal exercise and can be dangerous, especially for those with heart conditions.
"Make sure that you recognize the risks that not all snow are created the same. I would avoid doing snow shoveling, particularly when it's very cold outside, or if you have a heart risk. And just because you're young doesn't mean it can't happen to you," Go said.
He advises people to seek help when clearing snow if possible. "Everybody's at risk, because this can happen to anybody when you're shoveling heavy, wet snow, in particular, your blood pressure, heart rate, your heart works very hard, and anybody can be exposed to that risk. However, patients with heart disease, heart disease risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, known heart disease, they are more vulnerable to this," he said.
Doctors recommend individuals with heart conditions or risk factors take extra precautions, such as avoiding shoveling altogether or enlisting help to clear their driveways and sidewalks..
