Arteriosclerosis & Diving
Q: I'm getting older and have questions about arteriosclerosis. Is this a risk for diving?
Coronary arteriosclerosis is commonly described as: "the stiffening of the arteries". It is the result of the deposition of cholesterol and other materials on the inner walls of the heart arteries. In response to these deposits, the artery walls also thicken.
Eventually, the blood flow in these vessels gradually becomes blocked. There are many factors that contribute to the development of coronary arteriosclerosis: a diet high in cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, aging and heredity. Non-menopausal women (still of reproductive age) are generally at less risk because of the protective effect of oestrogen. In the USA and other industrialised countries, coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death.
Physical Condition and Impact on Diving
Symptomatic cardiovascular disease is a contraindication to safe diving. Coronary artery disease causes a reduction in blood flow - and therefore oxygen - to the heart muscle tissue. Exercise increases the heart's need for oxygen. Oxygen deprivation of myocardial (heart muscle) tissue can lead to arrhythmia and/or heart attack.
The classic symptoms of coronary artery disease are chest pains, especially after exertion. Unfortunately, most people have no symptoms of the disease until they have a heart attack. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death among divers. Older divers and those with risk factors for cardiovascular disease should have regular medical follow-up and appropriate tests (e.g. treadmill stress test).
Medications used in treatment
Typical drugs used in the treatments of this disease include Nitroglycerin, Calcium Channel Blockers and Beta-blockers. At some point, a person suffering from cardiovascular disease, may need revascularisation procedures, or restoration of the blood supply through bypass surgery or angioplasty. If the operation is successful, the person may be able to return to diving after the necessary recovery time and careful assessment of their cardiovascular condition (article on health and diving from DAN Magazine February 2016)
