Hunters urged to watch for heart and stroke risks this season

As archery deer season gets underway in Ohio, the American Heart Association is urging hunters to be ready to respond in a cardiac or stroke emergency. The exertion of dragging an animal back to camp could bring on a heart attack or stroke. In rural settings where EMS responses can be delayed and minutes matter, it’s crucial for hunters to be prepared.

“Many people look to hunting as a way to relax and commune with nature, and if you’re healthy and in good physical shape, it can be a great way to get some outdoor exercise. However, for many hunters, the extra exertion, colder temperatures and even the excitement of the hunt can add up to a deadly combination,” said Cyril Ofori, M.D., cardiologist at Wooster Community Hospital Health System and board member for the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “People in rural areas may experience longer wait times for EMS, so it’s important to recognize symptoms and to be able to take quick action.

“Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Know all the signs, even those that aren’t the norm, pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms."

Heart attack symptoms include:

—Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

—Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include 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 include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Use the letters in FAST to spot a stroke:

—Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

—Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

—Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred?

—Time to call 911.

Other signs can include numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or a severe headache with no known cause.

“Heart attacks and strokes can happen even to people who seem in good physical shape,” Ofori said. “Listen to your body, take breaks if needed and have a plan in case of emergencies. Never hunt alone if possible, and if cellphone service isn’t available, use walkie-talkies to stay in touch with your hunting party. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking immediate help are key.”

Getting a person to the hospital quickly during a heart attack or stroke is critical to ensure they get medication and treatment to save their life. If calling 911 isn’t an option in the woods, it also can help to know in advance where the closest hospital is to the hunting area.

The American Heart Association urges hunters to learn hands-only CPR in case one of their hunting party suffers a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack because the heart suddenly stops beating, often without any warning.

Signs of a cardiac arrest

—Sudden loss of responsiveness: The person doesn’t respond, even if you tap them hard on the shoulders or ask loudly if they're OK. The person doesn’t move, speak, blink or otherwise react.

—No normal breathing: The person isn’t breathing or is only gasping for air.

In the event of a cardiac arrest, seconds count. Call 911, begin CPR immediately and continue until professional emergency medical services arrive.

“Learning hands-only CPR is one of the best skills any hunter can have. The American Heart Association offers many local CPR classes, and even if you haven’t taken a formal class, you can still save a life. It’s two simple steps — call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest,” Ofori said. “While hunting can be a very strenuous activity, taking a few precautions and being prepared can make a difference in the safety of the experience.”

Learn more about heart attacks, strokes and preventive health tips at www.heart.org.