Digging out from the weekend’s massive snow and ice storm could be hazardous to your heart. Pennsylvania health officials announced three snow-removal related deaths Sunday. All were between the ages of 60 to 84. The Lehigh County coroner’s office cautioned people to take breaks and avoid ove r-exerting themselves. Shoveling snow is heavy, hard work — research has shown that doing it for even a short time can make the heart work as hard as it does during a major workout. Adding to that stress, the cold temperatures cause blood vessels, including those feeding the heart, to constrict. That raises blood pressure which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association. Snow shoveling is especially risky for anyone with known heart disease or who’s already survived a heart attack, as well as older adults and people with risk factors including high blood pressure or cholesterol. People who think they’re healthy can get in trouble, too, with that combination of heavy exertion in cold weather – especially if they’re generally sedentary until a snowstorm comes along. The heart association advises that if you have to shovel, go slow and try to push the snow instead of lifting and throwing it. It also urges people to learn common warning signs of a heart attack and to call 911 if they experience them. Heart attack early warning signs Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, while others start slowly with mild pain or discomfort, according to the American Heart Association. If you feel any of the symptoms below, stop the activity immediately. Chest discomfort: Most people having a heart attack feel discomfort in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw and stomach. Shortness of breath. This can happen with or without chest discomfort. Other signs: Breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling unusually tired, nausea, lightheadedness, heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms. ...read more read less