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Cardiovascular changes during SCUBA diving: an underwater Doppler echocardiographic study
C Marabotti1, A Scalzini, D Menicucci
1Extreme Centre, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy.
Recreational SCUBA diving causes left ventricular (LV) enlargement and diastolic dysfunction, even at shallow depths. Underwater Doppler echocardiography can identify divers at risk for cardiovascular issues during diving.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Diving medicine
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Body immersion shifts blood volume centrally, stimulating autonomic systems.
- Concerns exist regarding the cardiovascular safety of SCUBA diving for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cardiovascular alterations during recreational SCUBA diving.
- To utilize underwater Doppler echocardiography for evaluating these changes.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen healthy, experienced divers were studied.
- 2D Doppler echocardiography was performed at rest, during two 15-minute SCUBA dives (10m then 5m), and post-dive.
Main Results:
- SCUBA diving increased left ventricular (LV) diastolic volume and early filling.
- Deceleration time and late diastolic filling velocity decreased during dives.
- LV enlargement and diastolic changes persisted post-dive, with a significant heart rate reduction.
Conclusions:
- Shallow SCUBA diving leads to LV enlargement and diastolic dysfunction.
- Underwater Doppler echocardiography is a valuable tool for detecting individuals susceptible to diving-related cardiovascular events.
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