The snow-shoveler's ST elevation myocardial infarction
Rajesh Janardhanan1, Zachary Henry, David J Hur
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|August 10, 2010
Summary
Snow shoveling can trigger heart attacks, especially in sedentary individuals with risk factors or prior stent placement. Avoid this strenuous activity during heavy snowfall to prevent myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Environmental Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Winter weather, including heavy snowfall, is linked to cardiovascular events.
- Snow shoveler's infarction is a recognized but rarely reported condition.
Observation:
- Six patients presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction within 24 hours during heavy snowfall.
- Four of these patients were shoveling snow at the time of their event.
- Four patients with prior coronary stenting experienced subacute stent thrombosis, a significant increase.
Findings:
- Snow shoveling may precipitate ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in individuals with cardiac risk factors.
- Patients with a history of coronary artery disease and stenting are at particular risk for subacute stent thrombosis after snow shoveling.
- This activity constitutes a significant trigger for acute cardiovascular events in susceptible populations.
Implications:
- Individuals with cardiovascular risk factors or prior stenting should avoid snow shoveling.
- Public health advisories regarding snow shoveling and cardiovascular risk are warranted.
- Further research into the physiological mechanisms linking snow shoveling to stent thrombosis is needed.
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