As snow covered many parts of the U.S. this week, health experts emphasized the risks of shoveling snow, especially for older individuals. A Mayo Clinic study conducted in 2025 revealed that just ten minutes of shoveling heavy snow can elevate your heart rate to around 97% of its maximum. Additionally, cold air can cause increased blood pressure and decreased blood flow to the heart.
There’s no specific age that’s considered “too old,” but some cardiologists suggest that those over 45 should be extra cautious to minimize the risk of heart-related issues.
When to Be Cautious
Dr. Navjot Kaur Sobti, an interventional cardiac specialist, pointed out that while there isn’t a fixed age, it generally starts around the mid-40s. She mentioned that individuals who aren’t regularly active should exercise more caution. “If you’re over 65 and have heart disease risk factors—like high blood pressure or a sedentary lifestyle—you should approach snow shoveling with care,” she advised.
Dr. John Osborn, a cardiologist and volunteer with the American Heart Association, echoed these sentiments, especially for men over 65. He recommended that unless someone is in good cardiovascular shape, it’s wise to seek help before attempting to shovel snow.
Those with a history of heart attacks or strokes should avoid shoveling altogether, as the physical exertion of snow removal can be especially dangerous. “People who sit all day and rarely exercise might find themselves attempting to shovel heavy snow once or twice a year, and that sudden effort could lead to serious problems,” Dr. Osborn noted.
Hidden Strain
Sobti emphasized that the strain on your heart while shoveling can resemble or even surpass that experienced during cardiac stress tests. Cold weather can constrict blood vessels and spike blood pressure, which, combined with the exertion of lifting snow, puts immense pressure on the heart. “It’s like someone at risk undergoing a strenuous exertion test unsupervised,” she explained.
Moreover, studies indicate that cold temperatures lead to nearly double the number of cardiovascular-related deaths compared to heat exposure. The findings from a recent study highlighted increased mortality rates among those 65 and older due to temperature fluctuations. “The combined risks of cold and the effort involved in shoveling can lead to spikes in blood pressure,” Sobti warned.
Safer Snow Shoveling Tips
Ideally, it’s best to have assistance when clearing snow. If you must do it yourself, try using pushing or sweeping motions rather than strenuous lifting. To minimize cold exposure, doctors recommend covering your face and extremities and, of course, wearing a hat and gloves, particularly on windy days.
While using a snow blower can still raise your heart rate—up to 120 beats per minute compared to the 170 beats per minute that shoveling might induce—it’s still essential to remain vigilant for any heart disease symptoms. Warning signs such as chest pain or shortness of breath shouldn’t be ignored.
Sobti cautioned that even if symptoms fade after a few minutes, they could indicate a heart attack, and it’s vital to seek emergency help. “It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry,” she concluded.
