Download Coronary Artery Surgery and Angioplasty

British Sub-Aqua Club
Tel: +44 (0)151 350 6200
Fax: +44 (0)151 350 6215 bsac.com
CORONARY ARTERY SURGERY AND ANGIOPLASTY
Cardiovascular System
Myocardial Revascularisation
(Coronary Artery Surgery & Coronary Angioplasty)
Following coronary revascularisation some patients have no clinical or objective evidence
of myocardial ischaemia. Unfortunately, symptoms recur in some patients soon after
revascularisation and over a period time the percentage of patients with recurrent
symptoms increases.
Individuals who have had myocardial revascularisation may be permitted to resume diving
by the BSAC Medical Committee if they satisfy the following criteria:
1 They were an established diver prior to their coronary revascularisation.
2 They have no cardiac symptoms when off all cardiac medication (although lipid
lowering drugs and antiplatelet agents are permitted).
3 They can perform satisfactorily a treadmill exercise test, achieving a good workload (for
age, sex and build), with a normal heart rate and blood pressure response without
evidence of ischaemia on a 12 lead ECG.
4 There is little residual myocardial dysfunction (particularly a preserved left ventricular
ejection fraction).
5 If they have had open heart surgery, they should not have experienced significant lung
damage or neurological injury as a result of the surgery.
6 They will not be permitted to dive with novice divers in future, but must dive with
experienced companions who can render assistance if required.
7 Fitness to dive will be reviewed annually irrespective of the diver's age, but should
symptoms recur between medical examinations, the diver must cease diving until
reviewed.
Information supplied by UK Sport Diving Medical Committee
Telford’s Quay, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 4FL
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