Open AccessControversies in the Medical Clearance of Recreational Scuba Divers
Author(s) -
David W. Harrison,
Rob LloydSmith,
Afshin Khazei,
Garth Hunte,
M Lepawsky
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
current sports medicine reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.424
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1537-8918
pISSN - 1537-890X
DOI - 10.1097/01.csmr.0000306222.19714.33
Subject(s) - medicine , scuba diving , recreation , medical emergency , oceanography , political science , law , geology
Primary care and sports medicine physicians are frequently consulted on medical clearance for prospective recreational divers. We discuss four common and controversial medical conditions--asthma, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and patent foramen ovale--as they relate to fitness to dive. For each condition we review the relevant anatomy and physiology, current recommendations, and the pertinent medical literature. Finally, we offer evidence-based recommendations regarding fitness to dive for potential divers with these conditions.