no more diving

[boulderjohn]

it is the depth that is a problem. I was told as I go deeper the med increases in strenth 2 to 3 times, causing me to passout... so I'm told

I have been diving on BP meds for more than a quarter century, including beta blockers. My current cardiologist is an avid diver. I have never heard of this before this thread.

 

[gamon]

the Scuba speacilist I am seeing mentioned that the meds double or triple in strength as you go deeper, most likly to cause you to passout,,

I'd think that if this was the case you'd see a lot more mentioned about it, either in personal anecdotes, or published articles.

Given that an internet search reveals, well.. nothing, I'd be apt to not necessarily take that bit of advice at face value. I'm not saying to go dive wherever and as deep as you want, I'm just one to question such facts that are sometimes too easily dispensed by those in a position of authority and respect who might not really have a clue. I'm not saying your scuba specialist physician is wrong, but I wouldn't naturally assume that your deep diving is over because of some stated risk.

 

[DiverDan1975]

This blows me away, Go for my yearly physical , all is good, lets check that blood pressure..OPPPSS, something wrong here. Next thing I know, you sir have Atrial Flutter.. Take these meds and NO MORE DIVING FOR YOU..... just like that!! course I also just spent 7 grand on new eguipment. Had a paid dive trip paid for, didnt go. I am bummed out

I am sorry to hear this. I am a physician, but not a cardiologist. I would not conclude definitively that you are done with diving. Some way, your cardiologist is going to get you rate controlled. The risky part of the exercise is going to be the blood thinners. There are going to be some options available to you that might help you get off of blood thinners such as a cardioablation or a Watchman's procedure. Ask your cardiologist, or more importantly your electrophysiologist about these options. Not everyone is a candidate. Do not hesitate to ask these questions as you are passionate about the sport, but keep in mind that there might be increased risks. Good luck.

 

[TostitoBandito]

the Scuba speacilist I am seeing mentioned that the meds double or triple in strength as you go deeper, most likly to cause you to passout,, And next month I am 73 years old

Not a doctor, but I'm somewhat dubious about the statements about drug strength/concentration increasing like gas partial pressure with depth. I'd strongly encourage you to get additional opinions/explanation and/or actual literature and data on that.

Is it just these meds? Why don't divers constantly OD from all the other meds they take while diving, such as NSAIDs, decongestants, painkillers, and a myriad of other prescription medications? It just doesn't really pass the sniff test unless there is something extremely unique about this specific class of medications (like they directly interact with blood gasses in some way).