cholesterol medication and diving forms

[carbon]

Some dive operations require a medical form to be completed as part of the paperwork process before diving. One of the questions is:

Are you over fifty years old and take medication to control your cholesterol level?

I can understand the concern regarding age and potential cardiovascular problems. However, I can't find any specific warnings regarding cholesterol medications.

Does anyone know why this question is on the form, and what specific circumstances would indicate an "unsafe to dive" conclusion?

Thanks,
Carbon

 

[jbd]

and I have no info on specific contraindications to diving regarding the actual medications you are discuusing here. Given the age group and the question about cholesterol medications, I would take it that there is the assumption that if you need this medication you have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Which means you are more likely to have a heart attack while you are in the presence of the dive operator then some one who is 30 years old and requires no medications. For reasons of liability the operator may decide to not allow you to dive with them if you are over 50 and require cholesterol lowering medications. Again this is just my opinion.

 

[Rick Murchison]

As an alternative, I've been able to lower my own cholesterol 70 points without drugs. If you're interested please PM me.
Rick

 

[BillP]

Howdy Carbon:

There are some possible "issues" with cholesterol lowering meds and diving, but jbd's reason for the question is the most sensible explanation to me. You can read about cholesterol meds and diving on DAN's website at:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=22

As an aside, like Rick I feel that cholesterol lowering medications are overused. There are other ways to lower your cholesterol without taking prescription drugs. As I'm sure you know, changes in diet and an active exercise program can lower cholesterol. Oatmeal and the vitamin niacin can lower cholesterol. You can buy expensive health food supplements to alter your diet, and they are convenient so they might be worth the cost to some people, but it's probably smarter just to go to the grocery store and get a big box of Quaker Oats, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, etc. (The levels of niacin needed to be of much benefit can be toxic, so it should be used under a doctor's care.) Some people don't respond adequately to lifestyle changes and "natural" treatments, and after that fails cholesterol lowering medicines can be of benefit in selected cases, but they should not be the first line of treatment, IMHO. They are not without side effects. You can read more about cholesterol on the FDA's website at:

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/199_chol.html

Just my 2¢,

Bill

The above information is intended for discussion purposes only and is not meant as specific medcial advice for any individual.

 

[carbon]

Thanks for the responses, particularly ones focused on lower cholesterol levels without prescription drugs.

Part of my original post questioned what a dive operation does with answers on the form. Particularly from DAN, there is nothing specific beyond risk factors. So do the dive operations collect this information to:

1. Independently evaluate your suitability to dive?
2. Take note, and be aware of possible problems?
3. Keep their lawyers happy?

Thanks,
Carbon

 

[jbd]

#2 and #3 with strong emphasis on #3. As for #1 there wouldn't be enough real information for anyone to make a determination of an individuals suitability to dive.

 

[Adobo]

Oops.. accidental post