Cardiovascular health is an essential component of scuba diving safety. However, heart health may deteriorate gradually as divers age and can put divers at risk. This book covers the basic concepts of normal heart functions in physical activities, physical fitness requirements of diving, how heart diseases may affect dive fitness and how divers can maintain their fitness capacity.
In this book, you’ll learn about:
- Chapter 1 – Basics of Your Heart & Circulatory System
- How Diving Affects Your Health and Circulatory System
- Cardiac Health and Your Risk of Death While Diving
- Understanding the Concept of Aerobic Exercise Capacity
- The Effects of Aging on Your Cardiovascular System
- Calculating Physical Activity Intensity
- Physical Activity Recommendations
- Placing the Risks and Benefits of Physical Activity in Perspective
- Chapter 2 – Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
- Overview of Cardiovascular Risk Factors
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Overweight and Obesity
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Chapter 3 – Structural Anomalies of the Heart
- Valvular Disorders
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Patent Foramen Ovale
- Chapter 4 – Ischemic Heart Disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Myocardial Infarction
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts
- Issues Particular to Women
- Chapter 5 – Arrhythmias
- Overview of Arrhythmias
- Syncope
- Extrasystole
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Issues Involving Implanted Pacemakers
- Chapter 6 – Pulmonary and Venous Disorders
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Immersion Pulmonary Edema
- Chapter 7 – Issues Involving Cardiovascular Drugs
- Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants
- Statins
- Antihypertensives
- Antiarrhythmics
- Further Reading and Sources
Credits
Managing Editor: Petar Denoble, MD, DSc
Editor: James Chimiak, MD