PFO - no dive condition?

[UWSojourner]

I was reading "Mending the Bends" by David Merritt, MD. In a section titled "Absolute Disqualifying Medical Conditions for Diving" he lists Patent Foramen Ovale (along with Seizure Disorder, Detached Retina and other serious sounding stuff).

If 10-30% of the population has PFO, then why is a test for PFO not required before OW cert?

How can I get the test and is it safe?

Thanks.

 

[Dr Deco]

I believe that Dr Merritt was overly conservtive on this issue. A PFO is not considered as an absolute disqualification otherwise 20% to 30% would be having problems. They are not.

 

[UWSojourner]

I believe that Dr Merritt was overly conservtive on this issue. A PFO is not considered as an absolute disqualification otherwise 20% to 30% would be having problems. They are not.

Ok, I can see we have a professional disagreement. What type of diving would you recommend not be done before testing for PFO? Technical? Any decompression diving?

And, how do I go about getting the test? Do I need to get a cardiologist to do it? Is it a safe procedure?

Thanks

 

[UWSojourner]

Never mind. Got the info over at thedecostop. Thanks.