Advice on diving after HA and Stent fitment...

[TheBigHonree]

Hello All,

I'm after any info/advice on starting to learn scuba diving after HA and stent fitment.

2 and a half months since this happened and I am wondering if diving is a definite no no forever or if it is something I can do in the long term.

Thanks all,

Simon

[jimmyq]

On holiday once I set out for Scuba Diving lessons. When the instructor saw my chest scar he said that I had no chance and turned me away. I suspect that you may need a letter from your doctor.

[TheBigHonree in reply to jimmyq]

Yeah that's what i was thinking.

I do know our hospital has the countries leading diver working there as a consultant, in what I do not know, I think my cardiology consultant is going to refer me to him specifically for this but I wanted to know if anyone else had had any personal experience so thank you for that Jimmy 👍🏼.

Simon

[jimmyq in reply to TheBigHonree]

Forgot to mention that I have had 4 CABGs.

[TheBigHonree in reply to jimmyq]

Right, that may make a bit of a difference, still good to get your experience though.👍🏼

[Scout2017]

Hi Simon - I’m a diving instructor and have just had two stents fitted following a heart attack a fortnight ago. Have been looking at sites like DAN and DDRC for info and it seems a return to diving may be possible if I can pass an exercise tolerance test with no ECG anomalies, maybe in 6 months to a year’s time. Likely to be some restrictions on depth and environment but I’ll take that. Certainly no one in their right mind would touch either of us with a barge pole without proper clearance from a diving doc. Good luck! Bill

[TheBigHonree in reply to Scout2017]

Thanks for that bill, hopefully I will get a referral to a consultant who is also one of the lead divers in the country and get this nailed down.

I would like to train up to instructor level but that may not be possible however just being able to get in the water and get down there would be a great thing for me.👍🏼

[Kimkat]

I would imagine the best person to ask is your cardiologist, I wouldn’t be taking anyone else’s advice as everyone is different.

[TheBigHonree in reply to Kimkat]

My cardiologist wasn't sure in regards to diving but has now referred my to one of his consultant colleagues who is one of the leading divers in the country who actually deals with these issues so I'm now just waiting for the referral date.👍🏼👍🏼

Simon

[Mike424u]

I had a HA and 6 stents, I'm a PADI open water diver, I have been asking if I can go back to it at some point. this is what I found out to date, yes it is a possibility, but I would need to have a medical by an approved dive doctor. My own GP would not be able to do this. And if I pass a medical exam, I then get a certificate that last for 1 year.

Doing some checks, I found this, ukdmc.org/medical-referees

Everything you need know is on this site, all types of medical conditions, and also a map with diving doctors to diffeent areas in the uk.

Individuals who have suffered a myocardial infarction are permitted to resume diving by the UKSDMC if they satisfy the following criteria:

1. They have no cardiac symptoms or evidence of silent ischemia when off all cardiac medication (although lipid lowering drugs and antiplatelet agents are permitted). Use of beta-blockers will be considered on an individual basis provided they are used for secondary prevention and there is no evidence of resulting airway obstruction.

2. They can satisfactorily perform a treadmill exercise test, achieving a good workload (for age, sex and build) with a normal heart rate and blood pressure response, without evidence of ischaemia on a 12-lead ECG. They will usually be expected to achieve at least 9 minutes (3 stages) of the Bruce protocol (or equivalent).

3. There is little residual myocardial dysfunction.

4. They will not be permitted to dive with novice divers in future, but must dive with experienced companions who should be aware of the condition and who can render assistance if required.

5. Limitations on depth, severity and conditions of dives may be imposed.

6. Fitness to dive will be reviewed annually irrespective of the diver’s age, but should symptoms recur between medical examinations, the diver must cease diving until reviewed.

I have spoken to my local dive doctor in Bristol, and I can not get a medial until a min of 6 month post treatment if not 1 year. Which is a shame as Im fitter now than when I was 40 and I go keep fit every week and walk miles. I will see what happens after six months, and report back if I manage to get back to scuba diving, even if is at reduced depth or times.

[TheBigHonree in reply to Mike424u]

Mike

Thank you for that, my cardiologist is actually now referring me to another consultant that works at our hospital who is one of the leading divers in the country so hopefully I can get a plan to conduct the above that you have mentioned in order to begin diving at whatever level that may be.👍🏼

Simon

[Ianc2]

Don't forget to keep your insurance company informed

[TheBigHonree in reply to Ianc2]

Ian,

I have already informed my insurance si I'm good to go in that respect.

Simon

[Mike424u]

Dr Mark Turner is the top guy in my area, he works in Bristol

[TheBigHonree in reply to Mike424u]

Always good to know there's someone with very specific knowledge in your area.👍🏼

[Mike424u]

Good luck with the medical, if anyone else happens to pass the diving medical go diving again let us all know please.

[Phil-52]

I've had a quad bypass and also wanted to know if it was ok to dive. My surgeon just advised me not to dive too deep.

[NathanBlau]

Scout2917 and Mike424U are, in my opinion, absolutely correct and what they say mirrors exactly my experience.

I have to say however that BSAC are somewhat more rigorous in their demands for a return to diving whilst PADI seem to want little more than a letter starting that a Doctor deems you to be fit enough! Personally I would be cautious about the latter approach as I do want the confidence that I will not have another heart attack in the dark or at 30 metres - a guranteeed recipe for an early demise!

At different times (I think it had to be 12 months post HA) I did a “bleep test” and then a later treadmill test to ensure I could reach the necessary score on the Bruce protocol.

I passed the necessary tests and returned to diving but with stated restrictions on water temperature - happy with that as I have no real desire to dive in UK anyway! You might want to bear in mind that I have been diving many years and the information I have related to a return to diving and not just starting.

Best of luck with you diving ambitions

[TheBigHonree in reply to NathanBlau]

Thanks for that Nathan, appreciate the info.

I can only wait and see now.

Simon