As I write this devotional on 2/8/25, we have had minimal snowfall in NW Ohio. By the time you read this devotional, I hope the same can be said. One of the worst snowfalls I can remember as a teenager was on Valentine’s Day. And wouldn’t you know it, we are currently under a winter advisory.
Knowing this, an article from Mental Floss caught my eye. Is it really possible to have a heart attack shoveling snow? Well, let’s think about it. You can have a heart attack while sleeping so the question about a heart attack while shoveling snow seems like a no brainer. But consider some interesting facts presented by the article.
“Multiple studies have shed light on the connection between shoveling heavy snow and heart attacks and/or other major cardiovascular events. According to the American Heart Association, it’s no snowy season urban legend at all—it’s a very real risk that you could be taking on if you intend to do your own shoveling this year.
“The impact is hardest on those people who are least fit,” Dr. Barry Franklin, lead author of an American Heart Association paper that examined physical activity and heart rate, said in a statement. “The impact of snow removal is especially concerning for people who already have cardiovascular risks like a sedentary lifestyle or obesity, being a current or former smoker, having diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, as well as people who have had a heart attack or stroke.”
“During strenuous exercise, heart rate increases and blood pressure may also become
elevated. One study found that after 10 minutes of shoveling snow, the male participants’ heart rates increased to 173 beats per minute, or 97 percent of their maximum heart rate. To put that in context, healthcare professionals recommend a target heart rate of between 50 percent and 85 percent of your maximum rate while exercising.”1
The article goes on to suggest some ways to protect your heart. Staying hydrated, shovel when two to four inches have fallen rather than waiting for it all to quit, warm up with some exercises, and if you are not in good physical condition, consider asking the neighborhood kid to do it are some of the ways to protect yourself.
Is it any wonder that I’m not a fan of winter OR snow?
While it’s true that winter provides many heart hazards, life provides even more. That’s why we read a warning in Proverbs 4:23. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Keep: guard, protect, maintain.
Heart: one Bible commentator says, “The heart commonly refers to the mind as the center of thinking and reason (Pro_3:3; Pro_6:21; Pro_7:3), but also includes the emotions (Pro_15:15, Pro_15:30), the will (Pro_11:20; Pro_14:14), and thus, the whole inner being (Pro_3:5). The heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects speech (Pro_4:24), sight (Pro_4:25), and conduct (Pro_4:26-27).”
If our heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source that affects everything that comes out of our lives, it only makes sense that we should guard it diligently.
There are warning signs to be considered that might indicate you are having a heart attack: pain down the left arm, chest pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling in any part, irregular heart rhythm, or palpitations. If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek out medical care immediately. Consider another type of heart attack.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:33-35, “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else 
make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. (34) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” A heart that hasn’t been guarded begins to attack our mouth and conduct.
Have you had this kind of heart attack? Consider the symptoms. What has your mouth being saying lately? Those words are a revelation of what’s in your heart. A mouth full of cursing, gossip, bitterness, anger, ridicule, and ungraciousness reveals that the heart isn’t right. It hasn’t been guarded. Therefore, the heart went on the attack.
Christians, we can never be too careful about what we allow in our hearts. Memorize Psalms 119:80 and put it into practice every day. “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”
1https://www.mentalfloss.com/heart-attack-shoveling-snow
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