Overview
- UMass Memorial Health in Worcester treated nine STEMI heart attacks in 24 hours, with eight patients shoveling when symptoms began, and all are expected to recover.
- Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, confirmed three deaths of adults ages 60 to 84 during snow removal, which the coroner ruled natural and consistent with cardiac events.
- Emergency departments from Long Island to the Midwest reported more visits for chest pain after shoveling, as well as hypothermia, frostbite, and slip-and-fall injuries.
- The American Heart Association notes that cold constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure, and cardiologists warn shoveling can drive heart rate to near-max levels within minutes.
- Health officials urge people at higher risk to avoid shoveling and recommend warming up, pushing rather than lifting, taking frequent breaks, dressing in layers, and calling 911 for persistent warning signs.