Diving with a pacemaker

[jbrown287]

I have a friend that is considering becoming OW certified but is reluctant due to a pacemaker that she has. I would think she would have to be cleared by a dr. Does anyone have experience with this situation or have input on it? All input is welcome....Good...Bad....or indifferent.

 

[bleeb]

See this thread, where someone recently asked exactly the same question: Getting certified with a pacemaker

 

[Bubbletrubble]

If you do a search on ScubaBoard, you should find a few threads on this topic.

Divers Alert Network has published a Q&A about this.

Yes, it might be possible for your friend with the pacemaker to be cleared by her cardiologist for diving. Several conditions must be met, however.

 

[herman]

It is quite possible but see my post on the thread above. In short the hardest part for her will be finding a doctor who is willing to do the research on the facts as opposed to taking the easy= no you can't- way out.

 

[Kilili]

A matter for her cardiologist, who also needs to check the mfg. specs for her unit. They vary. I've been diving with one now for 12 years, and I'm 64. Have never been any complications for me.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

I'm a cardiologist and a dive instructor. Most patients with pacemakers can dive recreationally as most pacemakers are rated to those depths. Her cardiologist can check with her pacemaker company on her particular model. The other concern is whether she is "pacemaker-dependent" versus being used for back-up only. Some cardiologists would not allow patients who are pacemaker dependent to dive. Just my 2 cents.

 

[StevenN]

See this thread, where someone recently asked exactly the same question: Getting certified with a pacemaker

I'm not sure how old your friend is but that thread was about a parent taking their thirteen year old child diving who has a pacemaker.

It's a completely different decision when one is old enough to make the choice on their own.

 

[pdenoble]

Subjects wanted for a research study
Investigation of diving experience of divers with implanted cardiac devices



Divers Alert Network (DAN) is conducting a research study about divers with an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator who are choosing to dive with or without medical clearance. The study consists of an on-line survey which takes about 10 minutes to complete and possible follow-up interview if additional clarifications are needed.
If this pertains to you, please contact DAN Research (919-684-2948 or research@dan.org).Participants will not be compensated for participation.

IRB# 017-13 Expiry date: 6/05/2014