Doctors warn of snow shoveling dangers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Doctors want to remind Hoosiers that clearing wet, heavy snow can pose some health risks.

Emergency rooms always end up seeing a number of patients complaining of back problems after heavy snowfalls.

Shoveling puts strain not just on your back, but your arms and shoulders as well. Doctors say the biggest concern is the strain shoveling places on the human heart.

You should be aware of the warning signs of a heart attack. They include shortness of breath and tightness in your chest.

Shoveling snow can make anyone feel short of breath. Dr. Jennifer Barker says being short of breath from exercising is completely different than being short of breath due to a heart attack.

“There's that point where you are feeling you can't actually catch a breath. Where you are trying to breath in and it feels tight and you're feeling like, it's almost an air hunger.  Where you feel you don't get enough. That's the point where start to need to be concerned” said Barker.

Other danger signs include dizziness, numbness or tingling. 

Doctors say if you have to shovel, go slow and move smaller amounts of snow each time.