Hunting Medical Risks

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reports 12.5 million Americans 16 and older hunted in 2006. The most popular pursuit (10.7 million hunters) is big game, like deer and elk. More than 38 percent of hunters go for small game, like squirrels and rabbits. 2.3 million Americans hunted birds, like ducks, geese and doves.

By nature, hunting has some inherent risks. Some of the most common causes of injuries seen in hospital emergency rooms include falls from tree stands, accidental shooting, cuts from knives, sprains, bruises and burns.

Hunters are also at risk for illnesses. A nine-year study of big game hunters in Colorado found nearly half of all the illness visits to the emergency room were for cardiac problems (i.e., chest pain, shortness of breath and swelling from accumulation of fluid). During the study period, nine hunters died. Heart problems were the cause of two-thirds of those deaths.

Hunting’s Effects on the Heart
Eric Good, D.O., Cardiologist with the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, says many hunters don’t realize that hunting can be a very strenuous activity. Hunters must carry heavy equipment over rough terrain to reach their chosen waiting “spot.” The weather can be cold and wet. If a target is spotted, there is a sudden surge of adrenaline to aim and shoot the animal. If the wounded animal doesn’t immediately fall, it will run, with the hunter in fast pursuit. Once the catch is finally made, the animal must be field dressed and carried or dragged back to a cabin or car. Research suggests these sudden strenuous activities can put extra demands on the heart and evoke heart rhythm problems that trigger sudden cardiac death.

Several other factors can increase the risk for a heart attack. Many hunters eat high-fat, salty foods during the outing. They may smoke, drink alcohol and get an inadequate amount of sleep. In some cases, these lifestyle factors can contribute to a heart attack, especially in hunters with underlying medical conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

Good recommends all hunters get a pre-hunt physical that includes a cardiac check-up. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a cardiac stress test to simulate the strain of hunting activities. Hunters who have heart disease or other medical conditions should carry their medications with them into the woods because they may be away from camp for longer periods than expected. Good recommends that hunters work in groups and that all participants know first aid and CPR. So if one of them experiences heart problems, someone can call for help and provide life-saving temporary aid. Good also reminds hunters to check cell phone coverage when they go out into the woods. In isolated places, cell phone signals may be spotty or unavailable. Some hunters carry a hand-held CB radio as a back-up. As a precaution, Good says hunters who have underlying heart problems should hunt closer to main roads so emergency personnel have quick access if care is needed. He also recommends hunters have a designated daily check-in time each day with a family member or friend at home. If the other person doesn’t hear from the hunter, emergency personnel can be contacted to find out if the hunter is having a problem.

VIDEO INQUIRY
For information on hunting activities:
National Shooting Sports Foundation, http://www.nssf.org/hunting
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, http://www.fws.gov/hunting

For general information on heart problems:
American Heart Association, http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov