Thought I would share some good information to know. My credentials are that I have a B.S. in Kinesiology (think exercise science) and have been a certified personal trainer with N.A.S.M for nearly 7 years.
There is a dramatic increase in hospital visits related to fatal heart attacks
in the winter months. A large percentage of this is directly related to chronic high blood pressure and shoveling snow.
The reason that shoveling snow can elicit heart attacks in those with high blood pressure is because the blood pressure is already elevated prior to shoveling snow. Once a person begins to shovel snow their heart has to work harder to pump blood through the tiny arterioles of the upper limbs, thus increasing the force of blood against arterial walls for sustained periods that are already overloaded with pressure.
So, while this is in regards to shoveling snow, it goes for anything else that requires sustained movements that tax the upper body limbs in a sustained way when a person has chronic high blood pressure.
The end-statement is NOT "don't ever shovel snow," but be well aware of your fitness status, or at the very least blood pressure history. Consider if you have to shovel snow and you do have high blood pressure, then really consider possible limitations and ways to mitigate risk.
Lastly, increasing fitness can reduce blood pressure, normal or compromised. For folks with chronic hypertension - avoid exercises that require repeated upper limb motion (i.e. Use the equipment, but do NOT USE the handles while doing the physical activity on Nordik tracks, elliptical machines, cross-trainers, or versa climbers). Just using your lower body to complete the activity will suffice to improve fitness, reduce blood pressure, decrease your heart rate, and overall reduce your risk for heart related conditions
The same can be said for using resistance (strength) training in those with chronic elevated hypertension. Avoid heavy lifting of the upper body until blood pressure is in good control. Resistance training is a great component - again use caution, consider your personal history and fitness status - lower the weight, go higher rep - until you are in good blood pressure management.
And lastly, to tie this to the original topic, consider those signs if you are participating in shoveling snow or other activities - it can be a warning to take action quickly.
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