I will speak to my GP before going ahead but thought i would see if the group had any experience for going to the GP.
I'm 42 and had a stent fitted 18 months ago.otherwise fit and healthy.ive always wanted to scuba dive but have heard that this might not be possible after having a stent fitted. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Obviously you should check with your medical advisors, but I expect they'll enthusiastically endorse pretty much any form of exercise. Getting out there and living an active life is surely the best possible way forward for us all.
Good luck!
Water activities are viewed slightly differently so my cardio physio told me, something to do with how when immersed in water changes the pressure of the blood.
Always speak to the professionals before taking up ANY physical activity.
Thanks. This is what I've heard. I think activities based at the surface are encouraged but the increased pressure of being at depth can cause issues. Maybe I need to stick to snorkeling!
Better safe than sorry but nothing wrong with asking some questions if you change your mind in the future.
Hi Badger - I had 2 stents fitted in 2018 after a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Diving has always been a big part of my life so I was very keen to get back to it. I had to wait until I came off Ticagrelor (1 year) and you’ll need a medical from a specialist diving doctor which will set you back £100 or so but no reason why you shouldn’t pass if you’re in good shape other than the stent. I finally made it back in the water this summer, plans having been interrupted by the pandemic - it felt like getting the last piece of my life back. Go for it!
I’m a diving instructor. I have a stent and I dive regularly with no restrictions. You need to pass a medical. Go to a UK diving medical referee. A doctor who specialises in diving medicals. I usually go the the diving chamber at Hospital of Saint Cross in Rugby.
After I had my stent I had to wait 12 months and get to level four on a Bruce stress test (treadmill) with no problems. The diving medical was only about £60 but the stress test from a cardiologist cost several hundred.
Apparently some can if very fit but I'd definitely ask a cardiologist. I have a PFO (hole in the heart) and my cardiologist won't close it unless I want to scuba dive (not likely at my age. 😊) I've even given up snorkelling - only because it is too much effort to swim to the shore. During scuba diving inert gases (usually nitrogen) build up in the tissues. Occasionally, these bubbles can cause Decompression Illness.
Dear Badger4
I wish you all the luck in the world returning to your beloved sport,
God how I miss it, but in my case, and my new life, I was told that it would not be possible as I am now such a high risk of sudden death, { sounds dramatic doesn't it }
Then why would I put that onto my dive buddy or dive party?
Hopefully you will be able { like many others have } to dive once you are told that you are fit enough to do so and when you do, touch the bottom of the ocean for me please.
Take care
Thank you and sorry that you can't get in the water anymore. We have to learn to adapt and make the most of what we have. Take
You would have to get medical travel insurance to cover diving, that might be a bigger challenge. Good luck
as an ex-diver who had to give up for non-cardiac health reasons i wish you good luck and many years of happy and safe diving
but please remember that your buddy should also be aware of your health issues and it's very important that they are comfortable with this - please don't dive alone, you also have a responsibility to the rescue services and the people you might leave behind
There's some very good advice above. I was at the Great Barrier Reef about a decade ago, six years post CABGx4 at aged 47. I thought about going scuba diving but, given my history, the operators all wanted UK medical evidence and proof of fitness to dive. In the end I was able to snorkel only - still a great thrill ... even though the scuba guys always rushed in to spoil my views etc. If I were you, I would try to get things sorted in the UK before considering any sort of holiday adventure. If I had the chance again, I'd probably want to scuba ... but would have to have done a lot more prep before a holiday adventure. I wouldn't want to put other peoples' lives at risk because of any foolhardiness by me. 
Good luck.
Alternative to a Stent
Going to the gym after stents
Stents
stents inside stents which are inside stents!
