Scuba diving

[willsie01]

Is it an issue for someone like me who is on aspirin and artorvastatin to try scuba diving?

[Andrew_A]

You need to speak to your doctor. I have DCM and severe heart failure and scuba diving is something that I will never be allowed to do

[Phil-52]

I asked my surgeon if I was allowed to dive again after my bypass. He said I could as long as I didn't go too deep. I would check with your doc first though

Good luck

[Hidden]

Scuba Diving is n activity that is physically demanding at times, and if you are anything less than fit then I would not recommend it.

It is an activity that is usually done in pairs or groups and on that basis, if you are anything less than fit you become a liability as opposed to the 'buddy' that you should be.

Diving is an activity based on your ability to manage your breathing, and if you need to be medicated to achieve such a place, then do you think it would be right for you to try it?

From my recollection of the questionnaire on health prior to trying diving, I'm not even sure you would get accepted.

[willsie01 in reply to Hidden]

I hear you, but I tried a brief diving experience on holiday 3 years ago, before my blocked arteries made an appearance. Today my general fitness level, including my breathing because I train, is way, way above what is was at the time of my initial dive. I realise diving will depend on meeting criteria. My question on this forum was to see if there were any members who do dive, or did, and now can’t.

[StillRidin in reply to willsie01]

Willsie01, I have been diving for about 10 years. Don’t get me wrong that’s only about 35 dives. I had my HA in March and received 2 stents. I crushed my final stress test at the conclusion on rehab. My cardiologist signed off on my PADI medical release saying I should have no issues. Currently on plavix, Lipitor, aspirin and Zabeta. I just returned from Hawaii and completed 4 dives average depths of 45 - 75 feet, 35 - 45 minutes each, with no issues. As long as your Dr has no concerns it shouldn’t be an issue. Best of luck!!!

[willsie01 in reply to StillRidin]

So great to hear that 🙂

[Hidden in reply to willsie01]

in which case it is worth the ask and go for it.

It is an activity i miss and thoroughly enjoyed - but like longhaul flights, it is likely no longer an activity for me.

[Alison_L]

If the doc gives you the go ahead, do check to see if your travel insurance covers you. It's often a no no on standard insurance for a healthy person, so for someone on heart meds it will be even more difficult.

[NathanBlau]

There is nothing to my knowledge about the medication itself that should prevent scuba diving.

I had a heart attack Nov 2016 and in summer 2018 resumed diving and have had 4 or 5 dive holidays since. I have been taking the same/similar drugs to you since that date and at no stage were the medications indicated as an issue.

In order to get the necessary medical letter of confirmation (to present to dive operators) I had to undertake an ecg stress test to prove my fitness to dive. My only self imposed limitation is that I will no longer dive in cold water and limit myself to Red Sea and similar.

Check with your GP but I would say go for it - its a wonderful sport

[willsie01 in reply to NathanBlau]

I contacted the British Sub Aqua association. I don’t know if they are the overarching Organization for the U.K.? They tell me I can’t self certify but need to see an approved cardiologist to certify me fit to dive.

[NathanBlau in reply to willsie01]

That's correct - that's why I had to do tests. But .... outside of UK PADI is more relevant and self certificating - but I would take advice from GP