AF and scuba diving

[BlaineT]

Hi

Does anyone know why one should not scuba dive if one has permanent AF?

Thanks

BT

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi BT I can think of a few reasons.

1) If you are in AF then your physical capacity is reduced.

2) No reputable dive organisation should allow you to dive without a specific medical from a dive orientated cardiologist who clears you specifically to dive with depth and time instructions.

3) You could be putting your dive buddy at risk, diving is not a solo sport.

4) If you are on either a rate control drug or a rhythm control drug, then diving is contra-indicated.

I used a dive a lot, and no I do not dive anymore, and I would not have dived then with anyone who told me they had an arrythmia unless specifically medically cleared. Even then would I want to dive with a buddy who was not 100% fit?

I content myself with snorkelling now it's safer

Be well

Ian

[BlaineT in reply to Beancounter]

Hi Ian

Many thx.

I really appreciate your time and content

I will double check with my EP

BT

[beardy_chris]

I think it probably depends on what sort of diving you are doing. There is a big difference between a gentle float on a Caribbean reef and a full-blown technical dive in the North Sea.

I doubt that you'll be able to find anyone who would certify you to dive with permanent AF but, strangely, few medics seem to say it is out of the question. They seem to keep that chink of possibility open. With regret, I think I have to accept that my diving days are over and, like Beancounter, restrict myself to snorkelling.

[BlaineT in reply to beardy_chris]

Hi Chris

Thx for your email.

You make a good point about the difference between tropical reef diving and cold water rig diving.

It is relaxed coral reef and WW2 wreck diving in Micronesia.

I am double checking with my EP.

Cheers

BT

[Hidden in reply to beardy_chris]

Hi Chris. Just wanted to commiserate re 'no more diving'. Grew up in South Florida (Miami Beach and LOVE the water.) used to dive in my 20's and 30's and spent so much time in the water my family would call me a fish. Like you I would not want a dive buddy who I did not trust completely. Part of that trust involves being healthy enough to cope with emergencies. I also would not consider someone who didn't level with me about health problems trustworthy to dive with. This was something I was always rigid about.

[CDreamer]

I was told I could no longer scuba period when I was diagnosed- but that was a few years after my first AF epsisodes & I did a few few dives in between.

It does take some time to adjust.

[BlaineT in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CDreamer. Thank you. I am pleased to hear that you have done some diving. Most likely I will take it v easy to start. I was doing a lot of complex wreck diving before I became aware that I had AF. E.g. SS President Coolidge. Best, BT