New to Diving Questions - health

[SmallLeek]

***** I am new to ScubaBoard and am not sure if this is the correct place to post. I am just trying to gather information from well trained divers looking to help a new diver! Thanks in advance! ****


Hello all! I'm getting my scuba license in a month from now and had a bunch of questions related to health and diving!

26 yo Female 240 lbs 5'5

****Just to preface, this is a life long bucket list thing of mine to do since I was a child. I do not think I will be actually diving any time soon or ever for that matter. The certification in purely out of personal interest and knowledge / curiousity. That may change but as for now, this post is in regards solely to my cert. Thanks!

Question 1:
I saw you should not dive with high blood pressure. I currently am NOT taking medications for high blood pressure but tend to have an elevated BP when at the Drs office or checking via Walmart BP kiosk. They say it's not high enough to be an issue currently. But how does that transfer in the realm of diving. I took my BP earlier this week and got a normal reading of 114 / 80. However, yesterday it was 130 / 86. It fluctuates quite often. I have been working hard to lose weight and am down almost 20 lbs already for my cert and hoping the weight loss would have helped to lower it.


****** For background: I was in the ER months ago for almost fainting at work. It's been an ongoing issue since covid. I was told my EKG was "not normal, but normal for me compared to prior readings" and was told to follow up with a cardiologist to get a Zio patch. I don't have insurance so that's postponed. However, I was cleared saying nothing is life threatening. Not sure what to make of that.

Question 2:
Gerd. I have esophageal spasms and regurgitation. My last spasm has been at least 6 months but I do have frequently regurgitation after large meals or if I eat on a empty stomach. It comes up quite easy and never hurts. I had an endoscope and was cleared as well saying everything looked normal. I was prescribed Omeprazole and haven't been taking it until this past week. Again, hoping to get some consistency before my cert. I don't believe it's consistent enough to cause issues but am unsure of this most.

My open water dives are at a quarry that has a max depth of about 40-50 ft. I am just looking to make it through this certification. My doctor explained that he himself is unfamiliar with diving and therefore cleared me allowing me to decide. I don't have insurance to see a specialist in the matter currently. I am looking for just general information and opinions in the matter. I am completely new to diving and never realized how much went into it prior. I want this so badly for myself but also understand the risk factors.

*** I know this is long. So sorry! Any help though would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DivingLane]

I do not think I will be actually diving any time soon or ever for that matter

Sorry, this has me very confused.

 

[RokVale]

My humble opinion (which is by no means medical advice as I have 0 experience there) is to find an experienced instructor, preferably with some medical training just in case. Then, explain everything in detail to them before applying for your certification. Since you have been cleared by your doctor, I would ask the instructor for an opinion. After all, they will be responsible for your safety during the certification.

I'm not sure which certification agency you plan on going to, but PADI OWD includes 3 dives (if my memory serves right), where the first one is in a pool or somewhere very shallow, where you try out buoyancy, breathing through the regulator, swimming with the gear, etc.

That environment should be safe enough to try to assess your state underwater, see if you are able to remain calm, how is your heart rate, etc. If anything goes wrong, you can just place your feet on the ground and steady yourself. Or your instructor helps you because they are standing near.

Only the last dive is a bit more like an actual dive. A bit. You should get a feel for things up to that point and see if you feel comfortable to continue.

 

[steinbil]

There are a few red flags you mention that I would take seriously and I think you should consult with a doctor with knowledge of scuba before proceeding.

One of the reasons why blood pressure and heart conditions are screened for is that a loss of consciousness underwater very quickly can lead to a fatal outcome. The danger of fainting on land is the fall. The danger of fainting underwater is drowning.

Edit to add:
Maybe this should be moved to the dive medicine forum?

@Duke Dive Medicine

 

[Edward3c]

***** I am new to ScubaBoard and am not sure if this is the correct place to post. I am just trying to gather information from well trained divers looking to help a new diver! Thanks in advance! ****


Hello all! I'm getting my scuba license in a month from now and had a bunch of questions related to health and diving!

26 yo Female 240 lbs 5'5

****Just to preface, this is a life long bucket list thing of mine to do since I was a child. I do not think I will be actually diving any time soon or ever for that matter. The certification in purely out of personal interest and knowledge / curiousity. That may change but as for now, this post is in regards solely to my cert. Thanks!

Question 1:
I saw you should not dive with high blood pressure. I currently am NOT taking medications for high blood pressure but tend to have an elevated BP when at the Drs office or checking via Walmart BP kiosk. They say it's not high enough to be an issue currently. But how does that transfer in the realm of diving. I took my BP earlier this week and got a normal reading of 114 / 80. However, yesterday it was 130 / 86. It fluctuates quite often. I have been working hard to lose weight and am down almost 20 lbs already for my cert and hoping the weight loss would have helped to lower it.


****** For background: I was in the ER months ago for almost fainting at work. It's been an ongoing issue since covid. I was told my EKG was "not normal, but normal for me compared to prior readings" and was told to follow up with a cardiologist to get a Zio patch. I don't have insurance so that's postponed. However, I was cleared saying nothing is life threatening. Not sure what to make of that.

Question 2:
Gerd. I have esophageal spasms and regurgitation. My last spasm has been at least 6 months but I do have frequently regurgitation after large meals or if I eat on a empty stomach. It comes up quite easy and never hurts. I had an endoscope and was cleared as well saying everything looked normal. I was prescribed Omeprazole and haven't been taking it until this past week. Again, hoping to get some consistency before my cert. I don't believe it's consistent enough to cause issues but am unsure of this most.

My open water dives are at a quarry that has a max depth of about 40-50 ft. I am just looking to make it through this certification. My doctor explained that he himself is unfamiliar with diving and therefore cleared me allowing me to decide. I don't have insurance to see a specialist in the matter currently. I am looking for just general information and opinions in the matter. I am completely new to diving and never realized how much went into it prior. I want this so badly for myself but also understand the risk factors.

*** I know this is long. So sorry! Any help though would be greatly appreciated!

Here is a link to the dive medical forms used in the UK. The questions will be very similar for other agencies and countries.

 

[Learner Diver]

I'm going in next week for my annual check up. One can never underestimate the sea.

 

[DanBMW]

***** I am new to ScubaBoard and am not sure if this is the correct place to post. I am just trying to gather information from well trained divers looking to help a new diver! Thanks in advance! ****


Hello all! I'm getting my scuba license in a month from now and had a bunch of questions related to health and diving!

26 yo Female 240 lbs 5'5

****Just to preface, this is a life long bucket list thing of mine to do since I was a child. I do not think I will be actually diving any time soon or ever for that matter. The certification in purely out of personal interest and knowledge / curiousity. That may change but as for now, this post is in regards solely to my cert. Thanks!

Question 1:
I saw you should not dive with high blood pressure. I currently am NOT taking medications for high blood pressure but tend to have an elevated BP when at the Drs office or checking via Walmart BP kiosk. They say it's not high enough to be an issue currently. But how does that transfer in the realm of diving. I took my BP earlier this week and got a normal reading of 114 / 80. However, yesterday it was 130 / 86. It fluctuates quite often. I have been working hard to lose weight and am down almost 20 lbs already for my cert and hoping the weight loss would have helped to lower it.


****** For background: I was in the ER months ago for almost fainting at work. It's been an ongoing issue since covid. I was told my EKG was "not normal, but normal for me compared to prior readings" and was told to follow up with a cardiologist to get a Zio patch. I don't have insurance so that's postponed. However, I was cleared saying nothing is life threatening. Not sure what to make of that.

Question 2:
Gerd. I have esophageal spasms and regurgitation. My last spasm has been at least 6 months but I do have frequently regurgitation after large meals or if I eat on a empty stomach. It comes up quite easy and never hurts. I had an endoscope and was cleared as well saying everything looked normal. I was prescribed Omeprazole and haven't been taking it until this past week. Again, hoping to get some consistency before my cert. I don't believe it's consistent enough to cause issues but am unsure of this most.

My open water dives are at a quarry that has a max depth of about 40-50 ft. I am just looking to make it through this certification. My doctor explained that he himself is unfamiliar with diving and therefore cleared me allowing me to decide. I don't have insurance to see a specialist in the matter currently. I am looking for just general information and opinions in the matter. I am completely new to diving and never realized how much went into it prior. I want this so badly for myself but also understand the risk factors.

*** I know this is long. So sorry! Any help though would be greatly appreciated!

First of all, I am not a doctor nor do I have any medical training except for basic first aid. As far as "high blood pressure, mine is all over the chart. Normal resting is generally around 113/64 right now. I take it most mornings. In a doctors office or late afternoon or evening it can be 130/70 or slightly more or less. I am not on any blood pressure meds.

I'm 73 and have been diving for many years and do it regularly in a local aquarium and around the world. I am required to get a "dive physical" every two years for the aquarium diving and have always been cleared by my cardiologist. I see a cardiologist because I have MVP and some blockage in one artery. I do get an EKG annually.

I also have GERT, but it only causes me minor discomfort, but no regurgitation. I take Cimetidine for it.

For reference, health wise, I ride a bicycle regularly, swim often in a pool and workout in a local gym. I'm 5-10 and weigh 155. This though, is only me and we are all different. I can't clear you for diving. Only a diving doctor can. It would be worth it to seek one out and a local dive shop should be able to refer you to one. Your health is too important to not do this.

 

[Aquaphoto]

***** I am new to ScubaBoard and am not sure if this is the correct place to post. I am just trying to gather information from well trained divers looking to help a new diver! Thanks in advance! ****


Hello all! I'm getting my scuba license in a month from now and had a bunch of questions related to health and diving!

26 yo Female 240 lbs 5'5

****Just to preface, this is a life long bucket list thing of mine to do since I was a child. I do not think I will be actually diving any time soon or ever for that matter. The certification in purely out of personal interest and knowledge / curiousity. That may change but as for now, this post is in regards solely to my cert. Thanks!

Question 1:
I saw you should not dive with high blood pressure. I currently am NOT taking medications for high blood pressure but tend to have an elevated BP when at the Drs office or checking via Walmart BP kiosk. They say it's not high enough to be an issue currently. But how does that transfer in the realm of diving. I took my BP earlier this week and got a normal reading of 114 / 80. However, yesterday it was 130 / 86. It fluctuates quite often. I have been working hard to lose weight and am down almost 20 lbs already for my cert and hoping the weight loss would have helped to lower it.


****** For background: I was in the ER months ago for almost fainting at work. It's been an ongoing issue since covid. I was told my EKG was "not normal, but normal for me compared to prior readings" and was told to follow up with a cardiologist to get a Zio patch. I don't have insurance so that's postponed. However, I was cleared saying nothing is life threatening. Not sure what to make of that.

Question 2:
Gerd. I have esophageal spasms and regurgitation. My last spasm has been at least 6 months but I do have frequently regurgitation after large meals or if I eat on a empty stomach. It comes up quite easy and never hurts. I had an endoscope and was cleared as well saying everything looked normal. I was prescribed Omeprazole and haven't been taking it until this past week. Again, hoping to get some consistency before my cert. I don't believe it's consistent enough to cause issues but am unsure of this most.

My open water dives are at a quarry that has a max depth of about 40-50 ft. I am just looking to make it through this certification. My doctor explained that he himself is unfamiliar with diving and therefore cleared me allowing me to decide. I don't have insurance to see a specialist in the matter currently. I am looking for just general information and opinions in the matter. I am completely new to diving and never realized how much went into it prior. I want this so badly for myself but also understand the risk factors.

*** I know this is long. So sorry! Any help though would be greatly appreciated!

Hi ,
I would use the drive to go scuba diving as a driver to move forward with improvements in your health ... a long term goal to drive you through the big work in overcoming short term deficits.

1) B/P is considered outside or above normal at > 120/80... BP is more of a long term issue and the bottom number of xxx/86 shows that your heart is not relaxing like it should between beats this is more of a long term issue with cardiac stress and could cause physiological issues that would affect you at higher levels of exercise that could occur in diving.

1a) Fainting or Syncope is a significant risk as another diver noted earlier ... the risk is you could drown. Multiple episodes of syncope is an extreme risk even on land and until this is resolved Do Not Consider Scuba.

2) GERD: with increasing abdominal and thoracic pressure (water pushing on your abdomen and chest) it just makes sense that this would put you at higher risk for GERD. If you have ever experienced a waking coughing fit with difficulty breathing related to GERD you should not consider diving until your abdominal volume has been resolved by significant weight loss.

 

[kinoons]

Hypertension is a months to years problem that can cause many downstream heath affects (kidney failure, enlargement of the heart, higher risk for stroke/heart attack, plus others) that will adversely affect diving, but in of it self, absent of the other problems, hypertension alone isn’t usually a disqualifier for diving, especially when well controlled.

Similar issues for GERD - causes problems that are generally not associated with problems diving.

The fainting issues are far more concerning. I would refrain from diving until seen by cardiology, potentially neurology, and other specialists as needed to figure out your fainting issues.

I would not medically clear a patient of mine with unexplained and unresolved fainting to dive.

Usual disclaimer - educational purposes only, you are not my patient.

 

[Baja Sur Diver]

***** I am new to ScubaBoard and am not sure if this is the correct place to post. I am just trying to gather information from well trained divers looking to help a new diver! Thanks in advance! ****


Hello all! I'm getting my scuba license in a month from now and had a bunch of questions related to health and diving!

26 yo Female 240 lbs 5'5

****Just to preface, this is a life long bucket list thing of mine to do since I was a child. I do not think I will be actually diving any time soon or ever for that matter. The certification in purely out of personal interest and knowledge / curiousity. That may change but as for now, this post is in regards solely to my cert. Thanks!

Question 1:
I saw you should not dive with high blood pressure. I currently am NOT taking medications for high blood pressure but tend to have an elevated BP when at the Drs office or checking via Walmart BP kiosk. They say it's not high enough to be an issue currently. But how does that transfer in the realm of diving. I took my BP earlier this week and got a normal reading of 114 / 80. However, yesterday it was 130 / 86. It fluctuates quite often. I have been working hard to lose weight and am down almost 20 lbs already for my cert and hoping the weight loss would have helped to lower it.


****** For background: I was in the ER months ago for almost fainting at work. It's been an ongoing issue since covid. I was told my EKG was "not normal, but normal for me compared to prior readings" and was told to follow up with a cardiologist to get a Zio patch. I don't have insurance so that's postponed. However, I was cleared saying nothing is life threatening. Not sure what to make of that.

Question 2:
Gerd. I have esophageal spasms and regurgitation. My last spasm has been at least 6 months but I do have frequently regurgitation after large meals or if I eat on a empty stomach. It comes up quite easy and never hurts. I had an endoscope and was cleared as well saying everything looked normal. I was prescribed Omeprazole and haven't been taking it until this past week. Again, hoping to get some consistency before my cert. I don't believe it's consistent enough to cause issues but am unsure of this most.

My open water dives are at a quarry that has a max depth of about 40-50 ft. I am just looking to make it through this certification. My doctor explained that he himself is unfamiliar with diving and therefore cleared me allowing me to decide. I don't have insurance to see a specialist in the matter currently. I am looking for just general information and opinions in the matter. I am completely new to diving and never realized how much went into it prior. I want this so badly for myself but also understand the risk factors.

*** I know this is long. So sorry! Any help though would be greatly appreciated!

I have been diving with high blood pressure for 20 years. See a doc familiar with diving.
Get thru your class then no worry’s.