The American Heart Association is warning New Yorkers on the risks shoveling snow can have on your heart. 

The cold weather increases blood pressure and shrinks our blood vessels, causing the heart to work harder and increase the chance of a heart attack. 

Studies show that after only two minutes of shoveling, your heart rate can increase by 85%.

The American Heart Association suggests taking breaks while shoveling, make sure you stay dry and hydrated, and dress appropriately for the cold.  

"We see an increase in heart attacks during after snowstorms. When people are shoveling. We see, unfortunately, an increase in heart attack deaths after snowstorms when people are shoveling. We want to make sure people understand the signs of a heart attack," Communications Director of the American Heart Association Kristy Smorol said. "If you're shoveling and you start to feel chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, heartburn, maybe if you feel heart palpitations, all of those things can be signs of a heart attack. Take a break. Call 911. If things don't go away right away when you take that break."