Spike in shoveling-related heart attacks prompts warning from UMass Memorial doctors
WORCESTER, Mass. — Officials at UMass Memorial Health in Worcester are warning residents to take it easy shoveling snow after they saw a spike in shoveling-related heart attacks on Monday.
A hospital spokesperson said during a 24-hour period, eight people suffered from a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) heart attack and had to be rushed to the emergency room.
Of those eight patients, seven of them were shoveling when the heart attack happened. All those patients are expected to make a full recovery, according to the hospital.
Doctors warn that a combination of heavy snow, cold temperatures, and sudden exertion can trigger these sorts of things in otherwise healthy adults.
"Usually people are less active in the winter," said cardiologist Youssef Rahban. "Warm up before you start, use smaller shovel sizes to lighten the load, and take a lot of breaks."
