Pulmonary Hypertension

[Vincent_Ams]

Last year I have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and after tests in the hospital my lung pressure came out of 39 mm HG. Last week I had a new test and my
lung pressure came out of 21 mm HG wich is great. This means that I dont have pulmonary hypertension anymore.

But I do take medication for it wich is Revatio 20 mg and Letairis 5 mg. Is it ok to dive with this kind of medication..

Grtz Vince

 

[bamamedic]

You might want to check out the website, "Diver's Alert Network" and see if they have any info on those medications. The URL is DAN Divers Alert Network

You could also call their non emergency number (1-919-684-2948) and ask the DAN medics if they have any information about doctors in your area that specialize in diving. The best thing to do would be to consult with a physician that specializes in diving medicine to see if you are able to dive.

 

[ScubaDocER]

Last year I have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, and after tests in the hospital my lung pressure came out of 39 mm HG. Last week I had a new test and my
lung pressure came out of 21 mm HG wich is great. This means that I dont have pulmonary hypertension anymore.

But I do take medication for it wich is Revatio 20 mg and Letairis 5 mg. Is it ok to dive with this kind of medication..

Grtz Vince

It is not accurate to say that you don't have pulmonary hypertension any more. There is a difference between having a medical condition controlled and not having the condition at all. When I looked up the medications you mentioned it states that their purpose is "to improve exercise capacity and delay worsening in functional class II-III patients". I concur with Bamamedic that you should consult with your primary physician before you engage in any type of physical activity. I would ask specifically if the effects of the medication are changed with changes in depth and thus pressure. I would find out the answer to this before considering diving. If your physician does not know or is not sure then I would call DAN. I would probably call DAN anyway. If your pulmonary pressures have improved BECAUSE you are on medication, then you still have pulmonary hypertension, just controlled. If those medications are altered during diving then they may either become less effective or more effective resulting in potentially dangerous consequences. Become educated about these concepts before you decide to get back in the water.