title: Controversies in the medical clearance of recreational scuba divers: updates on asthma, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and patent foramen ovale.
abstract: Primary care and sports medicine physicians are frequently consulted on medical clearance for prospective recreational divers. We discuss four common and controversial medical conditions--asthma, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and patent foramen ovale--as they relate to fitness to dive. For each condition we review the relevant anatomy and physiology, current recommendations, and the pertinent medical literature. Finally, we offer evidence-based recommendations regarding fitness to dive for potential divers with these conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, Student Health Service, University of British Columbia, M334-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lloyd-Smith
authors.forename: Afshin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khazei
authors.forename: Garth
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hunte
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lepawsky
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans