Medical FAQs

Here's a list compiled over the years of commonly asked questions. The list was created by DAN MDs and represent specific, evidence-based recommendations our member should take into consideration.

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Can I dive with hypertension?
Basically, an increased blood pressure or hypertension is not a contraindication for recreational diving. However, it is important how pronounced the increased blood pressure is and whether there are already typical consequential damages as can be caused by longer existing hypertension.

Since in most cases an increased blood pressure requires treatment with medication with partly possible significant undesirable side effects, it first needs to be determined whether these medications are compatible with recreational diving.

I have been diagnosed with a 2nd Grade Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). I know I can undergo surgery and have it closed with an umbrella device. Would the surgery be a resolution? Can I dive regularly after it?
In accordance with the Swiss Underwater and Hyperbaric Medical Society (SUHMS) guidelines, a diver with 2nd and 3rd Grade PFO can dive according to “low bubble diving recommendations”:
  1. Perform the deep phase of the dive first and avoid yo-yo dives (avoid repetitive entry into the 0-10 meter zone)
     
  2. Reduce surfacing speed to 5 meters per minute in the upper 10 meters
     
  3. Perform a safety stop at 3-5 meters depth for at least 5-10 minutes
     
  4. Don’t go to the limit of a no-decompression dive - Don’t perform dives with a decompression stop obligation
     
  5. Surface interval of at least 4 hours before the next dive
     
  6. Maximum of two dives a day
     
  7. Avoid intense skin warming after the dive (e.g.: sunbathing, hot shower, sauna)
     
  8. Diving with a Nitrox, using air decompression tables or computer setting, pay attention to oxygen toxicity
     
  9. Special underwater computers or software may reduce the risk

 

Moreover, to decrease the risk of bubbles transfer into the arterial blood stream: 

  • Avoid strenuous physical efforts during the last 10 metres of surfacing (fining or swimming against current at the end of the dive)
     
  • Avoid exhausting physical activity during two hours following the dive
     
  • It is absolutely prohibited to dive when having a cold. Coughing and forced Valsalva maneuver facilitate bubble transfer into the arterial blood stream.

 

Nonetheless, the surgery will be effective and after a complete healing you can go back to diving again. 

I’m a 76-year-old diver and, while undertaking an Exercise ECG, the doctors detected an Atrial Fibrillation. After urine and blood tests, the haematologist prescribed me Xarelto (Rivaroxaban). Can I still dive?
Atrial Fibrillation, not previously detected, was diagnosed through the Exercise ECG and this is why you are now under treatment with Xarelto (Rivaroxaban).

If this condition, although chronical, is characterized by a normal cardiac frequency with no symptoms during the physical exercise, as in your case, then safe diving is still possible.

I suffer from a low blood pressure. Is it safe for me to start diving?
Usually yes! If your low blood pressure does not impair your normal performance on land, there should be nothing to worry about while you are diving.

However I advise you to see a medical doctor before starting diving and to perform a clinical check, especially if you experience any signs or symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension).