It is common for people to have a heart attack when they shovel the driveway
after the first snowfall. This is usually because the person is not very active
and shoveling a driveway is a very strenuous activity. The heart cannot pump
fast enough, and therefore a heart attack occurs. If your heart is strong and
healthy, it can pump blood with little effort whether you are resting or doing
an activity. It can compensate easily when it is worked harder while you shovel
snow, garden, clean the house, or walk down the street.
Your lungs also need to be strong and healthy in order to avoid injury. Your
lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood in order to get
the correct nutrients to all your organs. Phlegm is made in the lungs to help
protect them from diseases. When people are inactive, phlegm sticks in the lungs
and infections are more likely to occur. Carbon dioxide and oxygen does not
get in and out as easily and as a result it is harder to breathe.