Description of Condition:
Coronary atherosclerosis is commonly
described as "hardening of the arteries." It's the result of the deposition of cholesterol
and other material along the walls of the arteries of the heart.
The walls of
the arteries, in response to the deposition of this material,
also thicken. The end result is a progressively increasing blockage
to blood flow through the vessel. Many factors contribute to the
development of coronary atherosclerosis. These include: a diet high
in fat and cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, increasing age and
family history. Women of reproductive age are generally at a lower
risk due to the protective effects of oestrogen. In the United States
and other industrialized countries, coronary artery disease is the
leading cause of death.
Fitness and Diving Issue:
Symptomatic coronary artery disease is a
contraindication to safe diving: don't dive with it. Coronary artery
disease results in a decreased delivery of blood, and therefore, oxygen,
to the muscular tissue of the heart. Exercise increases the heart's need
for oxygen.
Depriving myocardial tissue of oxygen can lead to abnormal heart rhythms
and / or myocardial infarction, or heart attack.
The classic symptom of coronary artery disease is chest pain, especially
when it follows exertion. Unfortunately, many people have no symptoms
before they experience a heart attack. Cardiovascular disease is a
significant cause of death among divers. Older divers and those with
significant risk factors for coronary artery disease should have regular
medical evaluations and appropriate studies (eg. treadmill stress test).
Medication used in Treatment:
Medications typically used in the treatment
of this disease include nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers
and beta-blockers.
At some point, someone with coronary artery disease may need a
revascularization procedure, or the re-establishment of blood supply,
through bypass surgery or angioplasty. If the procedure is successful,
the individual may be able to return to diving after a period of healing
and a thorough cardiovascular evaluation
(see "Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.").
(James Caruso MD, Alert Diver, Jul-Aug 1999.)
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Cardiovascular Topics
- Hypertension
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Cardiac Dysrythmias
- Cardiac Mumurs
- Atrial & Ventrical Septal Defects
- Raynaud's Syndrome
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
- Heart Valve Replacement
- Pacemakers and Diving (.pdf)