Richard Fouts shovels his driveway after an early winter storm dumped several inches of wet snow on Louisville, Kentucky on Dec. 2, 2025.

Kickstarting December, several inches of snow have covered the United States this week; however, while some may be enjoying time off from school or work, others are busy cleaning driveways, sidewalks and porches.

As frigid winter nears, more people will gather up their snow shovels (or blowers) to take on the vigorous task. While shoveling snow may sound like a common household chore to some, it can be dangerous, and in some cases, fatal for those who do not exercise regularly and/or have pre-existing heart conditions.

"Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like hard work. However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be as or even more demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test," Dr. Barry Franklin, a former American Heart Association volunteer, said in a news release.

Between 1990 and 2006, nearly 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for snow-shovel-related accidents, with more than 1,600 deaths reported in that time frame, according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

With winter on the horizon, here's what to know about keeping your body in shape while getting yard work done.

How old is too old to shovel snow?

Experts have not pinned down an exact age for when it's best to retire from snow shoveling, and recommendations they do have can vary widely.

Dr. John Osborne, AHA volunteer, said adults 65 and older should be "more wary" of snow shoveling and individuals with risk factors for heart disease, such as tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, hypertension or high cholesterol should be extra mindful.

Osborne pointed to a recently published study in Annals of Internal Medicine, which found that cold-related deaths are roughly double the rate of heat-related cardiovascular events (65% to 35%), especially in male patients above 65.

On the other hand, Franklin previously advised a younger age cut-off. He has said that anyone over age 45 should avoid the task. This recommendation is backed by a 2001 study, which found that about 85% of adults over the age of 50 already experience atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease.

How does snow shoveling strain the heart?

There are five main stressors on the heart when shoveling snow, Franklin said in an AHA news release:

  • Snow shoveling involves mostly isometric or static exertion that causes the contraction of muscles without any movement in the surrounding joints.
  • Shoveling snow requires arm work, which is more taxing on the heart than leg work.
  • Strained body while lifting heavy loads, during which most people unknowingly hold their breath, increases heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Legs not being in motion or frequent motion can lead to pooling of blood in the lower part of the body, which means it is not getting back to the heart for oxygenation.
  • Cold air can constrict blood vessels, disproportionately raising blood pressure and constricting coronary arteries.

What are common symptoms of a cardiac event?

Common symptoms of a cardiac event, like a heart attack, include chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms, according to the AHA.

If you experience any of these symptoms while doing yard work this winter, stop. If the symptoms don't stop immediately, call 911.

How to reduce injury while snow shoveling

Perhaps the most obvious way to avoid injury during the winter is to have someone else do the yardwork for you. However, if that's not possible, Franklin advised the following, per an AHA news release:

  • Start gradually and pace yourself.
  • Cover your mouth and nose and wear layered clothing, including a hat and gloves.
  • Push or sweep the snow rather than lifting and throwing it.
  • Be careful when the wind is blowing. The wind makes the temperature feel colder than it is and increases the effects of the cold on your body.

Franklin also recommended using a snow blower instead of a shovel. Using a snow blower raises the heart rate to roughly 120 beats per minute, compared to a heart rate of about 170 while shoveling, he said.

How to reduce injury while snow blowing

Have access to a snow blower? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following safety tips for avoiding injury:

  • If debris or wet snow gets stuck in the machine, stop the machine completely before removing.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
  • Don't leave the machine running in an enclosed area.
  • Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine. Don't add gasoline to a running or hot machine.
  • If using an electric snow blower, be mindful of the power cord's location.

Editor's note: This story was updated to correct a title.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How old is too old to shovel snow? Here's what heart experts say.

Reporting by Greta Cross, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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