Heavy, wet snow can put stress on a person’s heart

With the snowfall this week, Minnesotans are out shoveling — but health experts say to take it slow and listen to your body.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS checked in with Hennepin County Medical Center emergency room, who say they’ve seen people come in in need of help since the storm began.

Experts say lifting a heavy shovel could test your heart health. Arm work, such as shovelling, puts more stress on the heart than leg work, which could cause a stress test for patients with Coronary Artery disease.

The American Heart Association shared that a recent study found after only two minutes of snow shoveling, a participant’s heart rates exceeded 85% of their maximal heart rate — something you’d expect to see during an intense aerobic workout.

Reporter Eric Chaloux spoke with experts for tips to keep your heart healthy while you’re out shoveling, which can be viewed in the video above.