Winter storms in Albuquerque can create a different set of health challenges than residents may expect from a high-desert city. Snow, freezing temperatures, icy roads, power outages, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather can turn an ordinary winter day into a hazardous situation. The health risks do not end when the snow stops falling, either. Clearing driveways, traveling on icy surfaces, restoring heat, using backup generators, and trying to reach pharmacies or medical appointments can all create additional dangers.

Residents should also remember that cold-weather emergencies can affect people differently. Older adults, infants, people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, people taking certain medications, outdoor workers, and anyone without reliable heat may face greater risks. A winter storm can also interfere with access to prescription medicines and routine medical care, while hospitals and emergency services may experience increased demand.

Before going outside during a storm, check the Albuquerque winter storm warning today for current alert information and changing conditions. Understanding the major health hazards in advance can help Albuquerque households make safer decisions before, during, and after a storm.

Heart Attack Risk From Snow Shoveling

Snow shoveling may look like a simple household chore, but it can become strenuous cardiovascular exercise. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the workload on the heart. At the same time, lifting and pushing heavy snow can sharply increase heart rate and blood pressure.

The combination can be particularly concerning for people with known heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of stroke, or other cardiovascular risk factors. The CDC specifically advises people with heart disease or high blood pressure to follow their healthcare provider's advice about shoveling and strenuous work in cold weather.

Snow that is wet or compacted can be especially difficult to move. Even relatively small amounts can become heavy when repeatedly lifted with a shovel. Rushing to clear a driveway before leaving for work can further increase physical strain.

People who experience chest pressure or pain, unusual shortness of breath, fainting, severe weakness, or pain spreading into the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw should stop immediately and seek emergency medical assistance. These symptoms should not simply be attributed to being tired from shoveling.

Safer Snow-Clearing Practices

• Ask someone else to handle heavy snow if your doctor has advised against strenuous activity.
• Take frequent breaks rather than trying to finish the entire area quickly.
• Dress in several warm layers and avoid becoming excessively sweaty.
• Push snow when practical instead of repeatedly lifting it.
• Use a smaller shovel load when lifting is unavoidable.
• Stop immediately if you develop chest discomfort, dizziness, unusual breathlessness, or weakness.

People with cardiovascular conditions should have a winter activity plan before a major storm arrives rather than deciding during the cleanup itself.

Hypothermia: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Although it is associated with very cold conditions, prolonged exposure to cool temperatures can also contribute to hypothermia, particularly when someone becomes wet from snow, rain, sweat, or cold water.

Albuquerque residents may be at risk when a storm causes a heating failure or when someone becomes stranded outdoors or in a vehicle. Older adults and infants can be particularly vulnerable because they may not regulate body temperature as effectively as healthy adults.

Early symptoms can include shivering, fatigue, poor coordination, and confusion. As hypothermia becomes more severe, a person may develop memory problems, slurred speech, drowsiness, or difficulty using their hands. Importantly, severe hypothermia can interfere with the person's ability to recognize that they are in danger.

A body temperature below 95°F is considered an emergency. Medical attention should be obtained immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a warm location, remove wet clothing, and use dry blankets or clothing to warm the center of the body. Warm beverages can help an alert person, but alcohol should not be used as a warming treatment.

Do not assume that someone is safe simply because they have stopped shivering. Severe hypothermia can produce reduced or absent shivering, altered consciousness, and other serious symptoms.

Frostbite and How to Respond

Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze. The fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin are commonly affected. Early warning signs can include redness or pain, followed by numbness and skin that appears white, grayish-yellow, firm, or waxy.

Numbness makes frostbite particularly dangerous because a person may not realize how badly the tissue has been affected. Someone clearing snow, walking to a vehicle, or waiting outside for transportation may continue exposing an injured body part to cold.