When snow shoveling becomes dangerous: What you need to know Shoveling snow can cause cardiac episodes such as heart attacks Published: Updated: Tags: A woman shoveling snow in Michigan (WDIV) DETROIT – Depending on your age and health history, you may want to stay away from trying to shovel snow. Each year, shoveling snow sends more than 11,000 people to the hospital. While most have orthopedic (back) injuries, 7 percent have cardiac problems, and many of these are heart attacks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Related: Who shouldn’t be shoveling? Men are more at risk than women, but certain people with health problems have higher risk than others for a cardiac event while clearing walkways in wintry weather.