Diving- effects on the heart qeustion

[Spencermm]

I think I understand divings effect on the lungs. Are there any water pressure/weight effects on the heart?
And also(different question here), I am treated for high blood pressure and it is under control with medications. Anything I need to know here? I'm in fairly good condition, as I am a jogger, but I am about 20ish lbs. over weight.

 

[Mark_J]

If you have a prescription to treat high blood pressure you should be asking the doctor that prescribed that about the cause and effect of your diving.

 

[prthd9]

Good question. Something I have been wondering lately after reading a recent magazine article in I think it was "Scuba Diving". It mentioned that antioxidants are good for the heart while diving.

 

[ReefHound]

Diving is terribly hard on my heart. Since I've been diving regularly, everytime I get my credit card statement nearly sends me into cardiac arrest. :11:

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

Are there any water pressure/weight effects on the heart?
And also(different question here), I am treated for high blood pressure and it is under control with medications. Anything I need to know here?

A good start is here:

Vorosmarti J, Linaweaver PG (eds). Fitness to Dive. 34th Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Workshop. UHMS Publication Number 70(WS-WD)5-1-87. Bethesda: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society; 1987; 116 pages. RRR ID: 4249

DAN on cardiovascular Fitness
DAN on Heart Medications

 

[fast5frog]

Diving is terribly hard on my heart. Since I've been diving regularly, everytime I get my credit card statement nearly sends me into cardiac arrest. :11:

Nice....I second that!

 

[DiveMaven]

This really is a conversation you should be having with a qualified cardiac physician.

 

[CLEAR BLUE]

I know that where I live I don't think there are any "dive physicians" that really know the implications of diving. My own physician has already told me he doesn't know much about it and I'm really not sure any of the cardiologists around here would. It's not something they deal with very often if ever.

 

[pipefish]

Check out the articles posted by Gene and then give DAN a call. They can help get you in touch with a diving physician in your area and possibly answer any questions you may have.

Cheers!

PF

 

[Spencermm]

This really is a conversation you should be having with a qualified cardiac physician.

I will Maven. In fact, I have to since I admitted to the instructor that I take blood pressure meds. I have to get my doc to sign a form stating that I'm good to go.
I was just hoping someone here might have had to deal with this issue and could tell me what to expect.