Tips from Silver Cross Medical Group’s Dr. Abraham Thomas suggest how to protect your heart this winter, especially when snow is “heavy and wet.” For starters, instead of shoveling, use a snowblower if you have one. But even then, take frequent breaks as snow-blowing also can be stressful on the heart. (PN File Photo)
Silver Cross Medical Group Report
When winter storms hit like they did this past weekend, many people grab a shovel to clear their driveways and sidewalks. But did you know that heavy, wet snow is sometimes called “heart attack snow”?
That’s because shoveling heavy snow can put a lot of stress on your heart.
Dr. Abraham Thomas, an internal medicine specialist with Silver Cross Medical Group in Mokena, explains, “Shoveling snow is like doing intense exercise in freezing weather. If you’re not used to it, your heart has to work much harder, and that can lead to serious problems.”
Here’s why it happens: Cold air makes your blood vessels tighten, which raises blood pressure.
At the same time, lifting heavy snow quickly increases your heart rate. For people who have heart disease—or don’t know they have it—this can trigger a heart attack.
How to Stay Safe While Shoveling Snow
- Warm up first. Do a few stretches or walk in place for a couple of minutes before you start.
- Dress in layers. Keep warm, but don’t overheat. Wear gloves and a hat.
- Take it slowly. Shovel small amounts at a time. Don’t rush.
- Push, don’t lift. Whenever possible, push the snow instead of lifting it.
- If you have a snowblower, use it. But even then, take frequent breaks as snow-blowing can also be stressful on the heart when snow is heavy and wet.
- Listen to your body. If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness, stop right away and call 911.
“If you have heart problems or risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking, ask someone else to shovel or use a snow blower, but even with a snowblower, take frequent breaks,” Dr. Thomas adds.
Other tips: Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol before shoveling, and try to clear snow early before it gets packed down and heavier.
With more snow expected in our area next week, remember to play it safe when it comes to your heart.
For more information, visit silvercross.org/medical-group.
Silver Cross Hospital since 1895
Silver Cross Hospital is an independent, nonprofit healthcare provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross is nationally recognized for safety, quality and experience by a number of prestigious ratings organizations. We’ve been named a 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner 11 times, honored with an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group 22 times, and rated 4 Stars by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In addition, Silver Cross has been named a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital for 7 years running, and Healthgrades ranked Silver Cross #1 in Illinois in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons rated our open-heart surgery program a 3-star program, the highest rating available, placing Silver Cross among the most elite heart surgery programs in the United States and Canada.
With more than 4,500 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 348-bed acute care hospital and more than a dozen satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Silver Cross opened a state-of-the-art replacement hospital in 2012 at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. In Fiscal Year 2024, Silver Cross provided over $57 million in charity care and other community benefits. Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital, visit silvercross.org.
