Snow removal tools may reduce injury risk this winter.

Medical experts say shoveling combines cold exposure and heavy exertion, which can strain the heart and body; a large Canadian study linked heavy snowfalls to higher heart attack hospitalizations and deaths in men.

Winter snow increases the need for clearing sidewalks and driveways in many parts of the country, and shoveling remains a common approach. Medical experts note that shoveling can place sudden, intense strain on the heart and body. A large Canadian study reported higher rates of heart attack hospitalizations and deaths among men after heavy snowfall. The article presents several snow removal tools — including snow blowers, snow pushers and electric snow shovels — as alternatives to manual lifting. Key points: - Dr. Rohit Vuppuluri said shoveling combines cold exposure with heavy exertion, which can constrict blood vessels, raise heart rate and blood pressure, and increase demand on the heart. - A large Canadian study found that after heavy snowfalls, men were about 16 percent more likely to be hospitalized with a heart attack and 34 percent more likely to die from one compared with days without snowfall. - Dr. Jack Wolfson reported that shoveling commonly leads to lower-back injuries, shoulder strains and muscle tears, particularly in people who are inactive much of the year. - Dr. David H. Hsi said snow removal should focus on minimizing exertion and eliminating the lift-and-throw motion, and he recommended pushing snow instead of lifting it. - The article gathers snow removal tools such as snow blowers, snow pushers and electric snow shovels as options presented to reduce manual lifting. Summary: The reporting links snow removal activity with cardiovascular strain and risks of musculoskeletal injury during winter. Undetermined at this time.