WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WKOW) – As deer hunting season begins in the Midwest, Megan Johnson, a cardiac nurse practitioner with Aspirus Health, is advising hunters to prioritize heart health. Johnson emphasizes that hunting can be a significant physical stressor.

"Dragging a deer through the woods or walking long distances in the cold may seem manageable, but for someone with high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, it can trigger serious symptoms," Johnson said.

The American Heart Association identifies cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. Johnson notes that women may experience heart attack symptoms differently, such as jaw or back pain, nausea, or fatigue, which can delay care.

"If you’re out in the woods and feel anything unus

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