Courtesy of Aspirus

WISCONSIN – Deer season is just around the corner. The last thing you want to do is spend it in a doctor’s office – or worse, the emergency department – because of heart problems.

Dr. Patel

Just the excitement of the hunt can increase your risk for heart attack. That is why Aspirus Heart & Vascular Cardiologist Vrunda Patel, DO recommends hunters consider the following precautions before heading into the woods:

Do not ignore the warning signs. Whether you have pre-existing heart disease or not, it’s important to know what your overall risk for heart attack is. Common warning signs – such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness – should never be ignored, no matter how subtle. To be on the safe side, consult your health care provider.

“It’s important to be cognizant of your risk factors and physical restrictions beforehand,” said Dr. Patel. “We know how special this time of year is for the hunters in our area, so we want to make sure you enjoy it with your best health in mind.”

Pack your medications and take them accordingly. If you’re heading to deer camp for an extended stay, pack enough medications and take them as prescribed. It’s not advised to wash them down with anything other than what your health care provider recommends.

Seek help with hauling. Hauling a deer is not easy. Combined with the excitement of your success, this can put you at even greater risk for heart attack. Have a buddy help you out or use an ATV to pull your prize back to camp.

Keep your emotions, and indulgences, in check. For some, deer season brings on a rush of adrenaline, nervousness and certain indulgences, and this can develop into atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is characterized by an unusually rapid and irregular heartbeat. This condition doesn’t always have symptoms, but when it does, it can be serious and lead to heart failure.

“You might experience a racing, fluttering heart, anxiety, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting,” Dr. Patel said. “Each year, we see a number of heart attacks brought on by the excitement and physical exertion that goes along with deer season; so be sure you listen to what your heart and body are telling you.”