My husband has just been told by his doctor that he can't dive while on Lopressor. Can anyone enlighten me as to the complications? Is our doctor being overly cautious?
Lopressor and diving
- Thread starter Jocasseegirl
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Hi Jocasseegirl,
The reason Lopressor has been prescribed is not clear at this juncture and that piece of information is very important. For example, the implications for SCUBA of treatment of basic, uncomplicated hypertension v more serious cardiac/cardiovascular disease or abnormality are obvious.
Lopressor (metoprolol) is a selective beta1-adrenoreceptor blocking agent, or more briefly, a "beta blocker."
Both the intended and unintended effects of beta blockers can prove problematic for SCUBA.
As regards intended effects, beta blockers interfere with the actions of adrenaline on beta receptors. Among other things, they slow nerve impulses traveling through the heart. As a result, the heart does not work as hard and arterial blood pressure is decreased.
Now, this desired limitation in cardiac output may undesirably reduce exercise tolerance such that possible unexpected rigors of diving (e.g., very intense currents, a buddy rescue, a long surface swim in rough conditions) cannot be negotiated. It is for this reason diving medicine recommends that those taking beta blockers be able to attain, or closely reach, 13 mets upon exercise stress testing without angina, shortness of breath, EKG abnormality or other worrisome event.
The more commonly reported unintended effects, otherwise termed adverse reactions or side effects, of Lopressor include cough, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness, tiredness and vomiting. Obviously a number of these could prove troublesome for SCUBA. For example, it obviously would not be good if the sedative effects interacted with increased partial pressures of nitrogen to exaggerate narcosis, or if anxiety disposed to diver panic. It is for this reason that, as with all drugs, a beta blocker should be given an adequate topside trial to assess for side effects before attempting to dive. Most patients tolerate this drug quite well and when side effects do appear they tend to be dose-dependent (your post does not indicate the amount being taken) and to decrease with continued use.
In conclusion, otherwise healthy and fit divers taking only a modest dose of a beta blocker seem at little additional risk.
It may be prudent to contact DAN by phone at (919) 684-2948 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST) or by email at https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/myaccount/mscc/emailmedic.asp to inquire about the specifics of your husband's situation.
Helpful?
Best of luck,
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.
The reason Lopressor has been prescribed is not clear at this juncture and that piece of information is very important. For example, the implications for SCUBA of treatment of basic, uncomplicated hypertension v more serious cardiac/cardiovascular disease or abnormality are obvious.
Lopressor (metoprolol) is a selective beta1-adrenoreceptor blocking agent, or more briefly, a "beta blocker."
Both the intended and unintended effects of beta blockers can prove problematic for SCUBA.
As regards intended effects, beta blockers interfere with the actions of adrenaline on beta receptors. Among other things, they slow nerve impulses traveling through the heart. As a result, the heart does not work as hard and arterial blood pressure is decreased.
Now, this desired limitation in cardiac output may undesirably reduce exercise tolerance such that possible unexpected rigors of diving (e.g., very intense currents, a buddy rescue, a long surface swim in rough conditions) cannot be negotiated. It is for this reason diving medicine recommends that those taking beta blockers be able to attain, or closely reach, 13 mets upon exercise stress testing without angina, shortness of breath, EKG abnormality or other worrisome event.
The more commonly reported unintended effects, otherwise termed adverse reactions or side effects, of Lopressor include cough, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness, tiredness and vomiting. Obviously a number of these could prove troublesome for SCUBA. For example, it obviously would not be good if the sedative effects interacted with increased partial pressures of nitrogen to exaggerate narcosis, or if anxiety disposed to diver panic. It is for this reason that, as with all drugs, a beta blocker should be given an adequate topside trial to assess for side effects before attempting to dive. Most patients tolerate this drug quite well and when side effects do appear they tend to be dose-dependent (your post does not indicate the amount being taken) and to decrease with continued use.
In conclusion, otherwise healthy and fit divers taking only a modest dose of a beta blocker seem at little additional risk.
It may be prudent to contact DAN by phone at (919) 684-2948 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST) or by email at https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/myaccount/mscc/emailmedic.asp to inquire about the specifics of your husband's situation.
Helpful?
Best of luck,
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.
Last edited:
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