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(Des Moines, IA) -- Cardiologist are reminding people that shoveling snow increases the risk for heart attacks. Dr. Denise Sorrentino of MercyOne says the symptoms in women can be very mild.
"There could be discomfort in the neck, dizziness, weakness and nausea. Sometimes just back or shoulder pain. It could be any shoulder, not just the left shoulder, " Sorentino said.
Shoveling snow or even using a snow blower in cold temperatures also raises the possiblity of a cardiac event, according to the American Heart Association.
Sorrentino says lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical inactivity, are the main driver of heart attacks.
Anyone shoveling or using a snowblower who feels dizzy, or an overwhelming sense of fatigue or chest discomfort should stop and call 9-1-1 if the symptoms don't subside.