[Changes in cardiac function during recreational diving].

Abstract

Underwater diving is a widely practised leisure activity. As cardiac patients may wish to participate, cardiologists should be aware of potential changes of cardiac function during diving. Multiple factors may affect haemodynamics. Firstly, changes in pressure, secondary to ventilation of a high density gas mixture which increases afterload. Hyperoxia is the principal factor which slows the heart rate, a commonly observed phenomenon. Excitability and conduction speed may be modified by the increase in hydrostatic pressure. During decompression, gaseous pulmonary embolism may increase right heart pressures and cause a paradoxical embolism may increase right heart pressures and cause a paradoxical embolism in patients with a right-to-left shunt. Immersion increases the preload. Exposure to cold also plays a role increasing afterload and slowing the heart rate. These factors may disturb cardiac function and expose cardiac patients to accidents during underwater diving.

• Authors: A Boussuges, V Lafay
• Journal: Archives des maladies du coeur et des vaisseaux (Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss) Vol. 90 Issue 2 Pg. 263-8 (Feb 1997) ISSN: 0003-9683 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Modifications de la fonction cardiaque en plongée sportive.
• PMID: 9181036 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Animals
• Cold Temperature (adverse effects)
• Decompression
• Diving (adverse effects, physiology)
• Embolism, Air (etiology)
• Heart Conduction System (physiology)
• Hemodynamics (physiology)
• Humans
• Hyperbaric Oxygenation
• Immersion
• Sports