Hunters suffer fatal heart attacks while dragging heavy deer, State Department says

At least three deer hunters in Michigan died of a heart attack This hunting season, according to local reports.

The three men, who were in Arenac and Tuscola counties, were 57, 65 and 83 years old, the report said.

The two men were reportedly dragging away heavy deer when they went into cardiac arrest.

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Michigan Firearms deer hunting season It began Nov. 15 and will run through Nov. 30, according to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

According to Dr. Bradley Server, cardiologist and chief medical officer of VitalSolution, deer hunting is known to be a potentially dangerous activity for people with heart disease. Cincinnati a company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals across the country.

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“Deer hunting typically involves walking to a stand or blind, waiting for hours in the cold, and then dealing with the sudden rush of adrenaline when a deer is spotted,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Once a hunter hits a deer, he has to track deeroften over long distances over rough terrain,” he continued.

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“When a deer is found, it must be transported back to the vehicle. This typically involves dragging an animal weighing 100 to 200 pounds over rough terrain.”

Prolonged exposure to cold is a major risk, Server warned, as it can raise blood pressure and cause constriction of blood vessels in the arms and legs.

“Exposure to cold increases the risk of heart rhythm disturbances, especially ventricular arrhythmias, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest,” he said.

“Exposure to cold also increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, which can then cause a pulmonary embolism.”

The “sudden surge of adrenaline” when a deer is seen and shot can also increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, the doctor added.

“Strenuous walking also puts stress on the cardiovascular system,” Serwer said. “If the hunter is not in good shape, this stress can be unbearable.”

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Hauling a deer to a car is also “very strenuous work,” he warned, and can lead to overheating and strain.

The server offers the following health tips to help reduce your risk of heart attack while hunting.

“Stay Fit at baseline so your body is better prepared for the work required to stalk and haul a deer,” he advised.

“Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and dress appropriately,” Server recommended. It’s also best to dress in layers to better cope with changes in temperature and activity level.

Take a phone with you so you can ask for help if necessary, and make sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you, the doctor advised.

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“Don’t forget take medications before hunting, especially aspirin if prescribed,” Server said.

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.

Original article source: Hunters suffer fatal heart attacks while dragging heavy deer, State Department says