Michigan officials are begging out-of-shape hunters to go to the doctor after three men in the state died from heart attacks on the first weekend of deer season.
“I’ve never seen three people die in 48 hours from heart attacks while deer hunting before, never,” said Dr. William Morrone, medical examiner for Michigan counties in which the deaths took place, according to MLive.
A 57-year-old man from Lincoln Park, a 65-year-old man from Bay City, and an 83-year-old man from Portage all died from heart attacks while hunting last weekend, authorities said.
Two of the men were hauling their respective deer carcasses after the hunt when they suffered their fatal heart attacks, according to ABC12.
“This is strenuous activity for men who have been sitting around, especially if they’re retired,” Dr. Morrone said, according to MLive.
going out and bagging a buck. ABC 12
Michigan officials are suggesting that prospective hunters who are at higher risk for heart failure go to a doctor for a physical and to exercise.
“The first thing they should do is start walking a month before hunting season, maybe do some light weight-lifting, like cardio,” Morrone said.
Hypertension, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease are becoming more common in male patients, according to Morrone.
“I’m seeing cardiac disease in arteries that 20 years ago I was seeing in 65-year-olds and now I’m seeing in 45-year-olds,” Dr. Morrone said, according to MLive.
In addition to preventative exercise measures, Michigan officials recommend hunting with a buddy and including first aid kits with hunting gear.
From Nov. 15 – the start of deer hunting season – to Nov. 19, 74,028 deer have been killed in Michigan, according to MLive.