As Michigan hunters head into the field, know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke

 The American Heart Association offers safety reminders on recognizing symptoms, responding quickly and preparing for strenuous outdoor activity.

 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Weather conditions, physical exertion and time spent in remote areas are among the conditions that make hunting season rewarding, yet these same factors can make a medical emergency more dangerous when every minute matters. Understanding the warning signs of heart attack and stroke and knowing how to respond, can help hunters act quickly if symptoms occur, according to the American Heart Association.

As hunters across Michigan prepare for the season, planning should include more than equipment and safety gear. Understanding personal health risks and knowing how to get help can be just as important when spending long hours outdoors. In rural settings where EMS responses can be delayed and minutes matter, it’s important for hunters to be ready to respond in a cardiac or stroke emergency.

Few recreational activities combine strenuous exertion, changing weather conditions and distance from medical care the way hunting can. For people who are not accustomed to that level of physical activity, those conditions may place additional strain on the heart. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to narrow, which may raise blood pressure and make the heart work harder, while sudden or vigorous activity can add to that strain.

"Every fall hunters spend long hours outdoors and often face physically demanding conditions,” said Dustin Isenhoff, Manager – Design and Communications Unit at the Michigan DNR – Wildlife Division. “We encourage everyone to make heart health a priority by staying active, managing risk factors, learning hands-only CPR, and talking with their healthcare provider before going out hunting."

Preparation is as important as packing the right gear

• Talk with a healthcare professional about whether strenuous activity is appropriate, especially if you have heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a history of smoking.
• Build up physical activity gradually before hunting season rather than relying on the hunt as your first strenuous activity in months.
• Avoid attempting to move heavy game alone. Use appropriate equipment or ask others for help.
• Know the location of the nearest emergency services and whether cell service is available.

Know the warning signs of a heart attack

• Chest discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns
• Discomfort elsewhere in the upper body: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest discomfort
• Other possible signs: A cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

• Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others begin slowly with mild pain or discomfort.

"Hunters often expect to be tired or sore after a long day outdoors, but symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath or sudden weakness should never be ignored," Steve Vance, MD, MBA, FACEP said. "If something doesn't feel right, stop what you're doing and seek help immediately."

Recognize warning signs of stroke with B.E. F.A.S.T.

• B = Balance loss: Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
• E = Eye (or vision) changes: Sudden vision loss or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• F = Face drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb
• A = Arm weakness: One arm feels weak or numb or drifts downward when raised
• S = Speech difficulty: Slurred speech or trouble speaking
• T = Time to call 911: If any of these symptoms occur, even if they go away, call 911 immediately.

Be prepared to respond to cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. A person may be in cardiac arrest if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally or are only gasping. If a teen or adult suddenly collapses:

1. Call 911.
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional emergency medical services arrive.

Learning Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, before a hunting trip can help someone respond if a member of the hunting party experiences cardiac arrest.

For information about heart attack and stroke warning signs, Hands-Only CPR and ways to support cardiovascular health, visit heart.org and stroke.org.