Scuba Diving and Aortic Stenosis

[tconner]

Hi, I have scuba dived for years, then 2 years with full support from my Cardiologist as i have aortic stenosis with some regurgitation.  I have annual echos and my cardiologist states my stenosis is mild, and requires no intervention.  He states i can exercise as much and as hard as i like as my valve problem has never changed for years.  I undertook my PADI dive instructor course which i passed but when i went for a HSE medical the failed me and stated i should not scuba dive at all, this was all without examination, i informed my cardiologist and he stated there is no reason to stop diving.  When i dived i had no ill effect, even at 40 meters and in strong currents, i can run 5 mile without any problems and i also weight train with no ill effect.  

I love diving but was stopped becasue the dive school stated they didnt want to take the risk, could you advise me on this and do you think i can start to dive again

Tony

[kenkeith]

You may need a letter from your doctor stating there would be no ill effects from diving based on your medical condition.  You may be asked to sign a waver relieving the school from any liability.  You may have to deal with the school's insurance as they may not cover pre-existing medical conditions relating to the heart, and the school doesn't have a choice and without insurance coverage the school does not want to take the risk.  

Mild stenosis and mild regurgitation is not considered medically serious, and you should not experience any ill effects or a problem.  Frankly, you shouldn't find it necessary to disclose the medical information.