At least three deer hunters in Michigan have died of heart attacks this hunting season, according to local reports.
The three men, who were located in Arenak and Tuscola counties, were 57, 65 and 83 years old, the report said.
Two of the men are said to have been transporting heavy deer when they suffered heart attacks.
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According to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Michigan’s fire deer hunting season began on Nov. 15 and runs through Nov. 30.
According to Dr. Bradley Sarwar, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, deer hunting is known to be a potentially dangerous activity for people with heart disease. Based in Cincinnati A company that offers cardiology and anesthesia services in hospitals across the country.
“The process of deer hunting typically involves hiking to a tree stand or blind, waiting in the cold for hours, and then dealing with the sudden rush of adrenaline when a deer comes into view,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“Once a hunter hits a deer, they have to track the deer, often over long distances over rough terrain,” he continued.
“When a deer is found, it must be hauled back to the vehicle. This usually involves dragging a 100- to 200-pound animal through different areas.”
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Prolonged cold exposure is a primary risk, Sarwar warned, because it can raise blood pressure and constrict blood vessels in the arms and legs.
“Cold exposure increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, particularly ventricular arrhythmias that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest,” he said.
“Cold exposure also increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, which can then cause pulmonary embolism.”
The “sudden surge of adrenaline” when a deer is spotted and shot can also increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, the doctor added.
A cardiologist said the risks while hunting include cold exposure, adrenaline surges and physical exertion.
“Strenuous hiking also puts stress on the cardiovascular system,” Sarwar said. “If the hunter is not in good shape, the pressure can be too much to bear.”
Dragging a deer to a vehicle is also “very strenuous work,” which can lead to overheating and stress, he warned.
5 Safety Tips for Deer Hunters
The server offers the following health tips to reduce heart risk while hunting.
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1. Maintain a good fitness level.
“Get in shape at the baseline so your body is better equipped to handle the workload required to track and drag deer,” he advises.
2. Be prepared for weather conditions.
“Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and dress appropriately,” advises Sarwar. It’s also best to dress in layers to better handle changing temperatures and activity levels.
3. Stay connected and share your location.
Keep a phone handy to call for help if needed, and make sure someone knows where you are and when they can expect you back, the doctor advises.
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4. Continue the medication.
“Don’t forget to take your medications before hunting, especially if aspirin is prescribed,” Sarwar said.
5. Buddy up.
If possible, experts recommend hunting with a partner who can help transport the deer.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Michigan DNR for comment.