State department reports that hunters die of heart attacks while carrying heavy deer.

According to local reports, at least three deer hunters in Michigan have succumbed to heart attacks during this hunting season.

According to the report, the three men found in Arenac and Tuscola counties were 57, 65, and 83 years old.

Two men, reportedly carrying heavy deer, suffered cardiac arrest.

The firearm deer hunting season in Michigan started on November 15th and will end on November 30th, as per the state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, a Cincinnati-based company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, states that deer hunting can be a potentially dangerous activity for individuals with heart conditions.

According to him, deer hunting typically involves hiking to a tree stand or blind, waiting in the cold for hours, and then experiencing a sudden surge of adrenaline when a deer is spotted.

After hitting the deer, the hunter must track it, frequently over challenging terrain for an extended period.

"The deer must be transported back to a vehicle when found. This usually involves dragging a 100- to 200-pound animal over varied terrain."

Specific risks for hunters

The primary risk of prolonged exposure to the cold, as Serwer warned, is that it can increase blood pressure and constrict the blood vessels in the arms and legs.

He stated that exposure to cold temperatures increases the likelihood of abnormal heart rhythms, specifically ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

"Developing deep vein thrombosis due to cold exposure increases the risk of pulmonary embolisms."

The sudden surge of adrenaline during the sighting and shooting of a deer can increase the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, the doctor stated.

Risks when hunting include cold exposure, adrenaline surges and physical exertion, a cardiologist said.

""Hiking can put a strain on the cardiovascular system, especially if the hunter is not in good shape," Serwer said."

He warned that dragging the deer to the vehicle is a "very strenuous amount of work" that can lead to overheating and strain.

5 safety tips for deer hunters

Serwer offers the following health tips to reduce cardiac risk when hunting.

1. Maintain good fitness levels.

To better handle the workload of tracking and dragging the deer, maintain your fitness level at baseline, he advised.

2. Be prepared for weather conditions.

To stay healthy, it's important to avoid alcohol and tobacco, dress appropriately, and layer your clothing to adapt to changing temperatures and activity levels, as Serwer advised.

3. Stay connected and share your location.

The doctor advised carrying a phone to seek assistance if necessary, and to inform someone of your location and expected return time.

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4. Keep up with medications.

Remember to take your medications before hunting, especially if aspirin is prescribed, Serwer advised.

5. Buddy up.

It is advised to hunt with a companion who can assist with transporting the deer.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the Michigan DNR for comment.