beginning scuba question

[kgpackrat]

We are thinking of booking a beginning scuba class in Playa Del Carmen. I have high blood pressure that is under control with medication. Will there be a problem with me diving?:confused:

[cruzegirl]

High Blood Pressure is one of the health risks that advise against diving but you need to check with your Doctor.. It depends on the reason for your high blood pressure and the meds your on... Some of the meds can drop your pressure causing dizziness, vertigo and such so you wouldn't want that to happen while diving.. Or the reverse.. the meds not working so well that day and you having a heart attack or stroke while diving... Only your Doctor can advise you the best on that.. I know a couple of people who dive with high blood pressure.. But I wouldn't necessarily advise that...

[cmdchiefthom]

Cruezgirl is correct. If you want to get medical clearance, I'd recommend seeing an Internal Medicine Specialist, not a Family Practice doc and be very specific about your plans to SCUBA. If the specialist feels in their best medical judgement you can safely dive, have them issue a letter to you stating so. Medical issues are not only a safety concern for the diver and the diver's buddy, but a liability issue for the instructors conducting the class.

 

I'd also like to suggest that you consider taking lessons before you travel. Often times local dive operators in your hometown may know of a Physician who knows something about diving medicine, and can steer you in the right direction for good sound informed medical advice. Having a valid C-card before you travel with some dives under your belt especially since you have a known medical condition, could save you having a hassel while your enjoying your vacation.

 

I had open heart surgery to repair a burst mitral valve, and specifically went to a Navy Diving Medical Officer who cleared me to dive, medically after my recovery. My letter is like my Amex card, I never leave home without it!;)

[Gonz]

The letter allowing you to dive, if you get permission from a physician, is very important. Every dive operator will require you to fill out a liability waiver and medical questionaire, and if you answer yes to any of the medical questions they will require you to have a letter signed by a doctor stating that you are ok to dive.

[wvjohn]

what the others have said....I decided that I wanted to do this and after a lot of research decided to get my C card first. The training seems to be a lot more thorough. I had to check yes on the physical form and got a full workthrough from my GP who is also a diver and got the ok for recreational diving.

 

Check out http://www.scubaboard.com/ for an endless amount of information and good luck!

[DiveCruiser]

We are thinking of booking a beginning scuba class in Playa Del Carmen. I have high blood pressure that is under control with medication. Will there be a problem with me diving?:confused:

If there is a DAN (Divers Alert Network) doctor in your area contact them. Most doctors don't know thta much about diving to give you and acurate account. They usually say don't to CYA there practise.

I strongly recommend you talk with a doctor before trying

 

Bob

[AlanFromFL]

As DiverCruiser has already noted, DAN (Divers Alert Network) has an online resource for diving medicine articles, FAQs, physician referrals, and such.

 

Here's a link to an interesting FAQ article on hypertension: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/faq.asp?faqid=64

 

Good luck and dive safe! :)