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Commentary on "Effects of hyperbaric exposures on cardiac pacemakers"

Correspondence to:
Benoìt Brouant, Cardiology Workgroup of the FFESSM, Mediwald, Creutzwald 57150, France; benoit.brouant@mediwald.fr

Effects of hyperbaric exposures on cardiac pacemakers

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Scuba diving is becoming more and more popular and diving medicine increasingly difficult. The indications for cardiac stimulation has been extended to include non-dependent subjects who maintain good physical capacity. The sophistication of the diagnostic functions can attest, in some cases, that heart rhythm is perfectly under control. In these subjects, the only diving restriction is the presence of a pacemaker. In the 1990s, Douard et al’s study showed that special attention must be paid to sensor dysfunction.¹ Lafay et al's study was carried out independently of the manufacturers. Using continuous telemetric monitoring, they showed that the electronic circuits of current pacemakers support variations in pressure better. Scuba diving appears to be possible in some patients with cardiac pacemakers, but only to a limited depth because of mechanical constraints.

1. Douard D, Parrens E, Benissan G, et al. Pacemakers et sports extrêmes. Simucoeur 1998; 26: 90–4.