Congenital heart defects are a risk factor in scuba diving, but this should not deter would-be divers from pursuing gut-wrenching underwater action. If you lived once, would you allow a medical condition to get in the way of an extreme adventure? Nevertheless, a patient will need to take the necessary precautions if he decides to take up extreme sports despite the risk profile of congenital heart disease. The article briefly discusses relevant risks and the mitigating factors needed to cope with the physical limits of this cardiovascular condition.
- Physical load. Patients with congenital heart disease are often advised to limit the pursuit of physically taxing activities and also avoid stressful conditions. Since scuba diving is a strenuous sport, a patient is likely advised to undergo extensive physical training weeks (or preferably months) before the planned dive in order to be in top shape for the activity. But for your safety, be sure to involve your healthcare provider every step of the way.
- History of the surgical procedure. If you have had surgery before, you may want to think twice before embarking on a dive. Some chest surgery scars can restrict airflow, which will prove deadly when diving. Consult your doctor about the likelihood of surgical scarring to increase the related risks (as if having heart disease isn’t risky enough) should you decide to try diving anyway.
- Use of artificial pacemaker. Recreational diving depths can reach up to 40 meters. However, pacemakers could only handle about 10 to 30 meters of underwater pressure. Therefore, as a precaution, check relevant details with the manufacturer and determine exactly how much pressure your pacemaker can withstand before continuing with the dive.
- Follow the doctor’s advice. You can choose to follow a doctor’s advice or simply follow your heart’s desire and dive despite the imminent risk of injury or even death. You can rest assured that your treating physician has only the best interests at heart. But if you are not satisfied with the doctor’s recommendations, seek a second and then a third opinion. And if they happen to contain similar recommendations, please pay attention and do not endanger your health or risk your life.
Nothing should ever stop you from living life to the fullest. And if you (and your doctor – LISTEN TO HIM, OK?) are unanimously convinced that you are physically fit to participate in any scuba diving activity, then go for it. And if you do, you may want to come equipped with top-notch scuba gear like an Aeris Coral Buoyancy Compensator with Air Link and a pair of Aeris Mako Open Heel Fins (to make your dive trip much easier, safer, and more secure). even more comfortable.
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