Certification and past heart attack

[jami59]

I am on my way to cozi in a few weeks to get my O/W certification.
I am 43 years old and had a mild heart attack back in feb this year. I had two ballons done at that time and have had a cardlite test done in May that showed some very mild iscemia.
I quit smoking in Feb, Have my vitals under control and feel just great. I have no chest discomfort even thoe I am a construction contractor and have a very active job.
I called my doctor and he said that he did not advise diving based upon my cardilite test. Strange... It took 20 min on the tread mill to get to the required heart rate and I still did not have pain or adverse signs. I was base line in 6 min after the test.
I am starting to feel that he may be a little consertive. He suggested another angiagram before he would recomend diving.
Phyical activity causes no problems for me.
What other risk factors might I be missing? I am not convinced by his advise.

 

[DocVikingo]

I suspect that you mean Cardiolite, the trade name for the chemical sestamibi.

I believe that it is possible for coronary artery disease to be demonstrated upon such nuclear perfusion imaging even in the absence of symptoms/signs during exercise stress testing. Perhaps this is what your physician is reacting to.

You may wish to submit your issues, or have you doctor submit them, to DAN at http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical

You also may seek a second opinion, preferably with a cardiologist with some knowledge of diving medicine.

Until the matter is resolved, it would seem prudent to follow the advice given by your treating source.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[jami59]

Thanks Doc for you informative reply and the link to DAN. That was a good read. I still feel like I am in great shape to dive but after reading the medical FAQ's on dan's site I have decided to have a face to face talk with my doctor and request another angiogram before I go. Pain during exercise is not a problem and both my Sonogram and Cardilite tests show no decrease in heart function or efficiency.
I am a newby in the world of diving and I just don't understand the increased risks associated with diving. I am a floorcovering contractor. My job requires a great deal of physical effort. Picking up over 50lbs, Up and down stairs all day carrying tools and supplys. I have quit smoking now for 6 months Yea.... Don't drink much and keep my stress levels under control.
Well another visit to my Dr could not hurt.

 

[DocVikingo]

I agree, and I'd be interested in hearing the outcome of the follow up if you don't mind.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo