Health Can shoveling snow trigger heart attacks? Here’s what Boston’s cardiologists had to say Half a dozen cardiologists weighed in on why shoveling can trigger heart attacks and how to stay safe. The strain of shoveling snow can trigger heart attacks, cardiologists say. The physical exertion that comes with shoveling snow has been repeatedly linked to heart attacks, and the most recent storm was no different. “This was certainly a bigger-than-expected spike in heart attacks.”What’s the link between shoveling snow and heart attacks?