News
Underwater Scan Finds Significant Heart Changes in Divers
An underwater ultrasound scan of scuba divers’ hearts found significant changes in cardiac function during and after a dive, according to a small study in the journal Acta Physiologica. The test could be used to identify novice scuba divers with undetected heart disease or cardiac abnormalities that might prove fatal during a dive, researchers said.
Scuba diving is growing in popularity among older Americans and heart attacks and unknown heart rhythms are the most common cause of diving-related deaths after age 40, according to the Divers Alert Network.
The study, conducted in Italy, involved 18 scuba divers, including 16 men and two women. The participants were about 42 years old and each had made at least 100 dives. None smoked or had hypertension, heart or lung disease.
Cardiac-ultrasound tests were conducted on land before and after diving, and underwater at two depths. The divers wore suits with access for an ultrasound probe and maintained a kneeling position for 10 minutes at a depth of about 33 feet, then five minutes at 16.4 feet.
Among the heart changes recorded during and after the dive: The volume of the left ventricle, a lower heart chamber that pumps newly oxygenated blood to the body, increased significantly, while the flow of blood into the ventricles decreased. These changes may be due to a diving-related shift of blood from the lower extremities to the upper body, exerting a constrictive effect on the chest, the researchers said.
Bradycardia, the term for a slow resting heart rate, a condition that can cause dizziness and weakness if the rate falls below 50 beats per minute, was documented after but not during the scuba diving. The cardiovascular changes that occur during immersion may increase the risk of cardiac problems in divers who are unfit, overweight or have underlying heart disease, researchers said.
Heart rate may have been higher underwater because divers were disturbed or stressed by the ultrasound tests, researchers said.
Source: Wall Street Journal
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News
FALL SAVINGS: Leaves Are Falling, and So Are Prices! Explorer Ventures Fleet Offers $700 Off Caribbean Getaways
This fall, Explorer Ventures Fleet makes it easier than ever to escape to the Caribbean, offering $700 off per person on select departures aboard the Caribbean Explorer II and Turks & Caicos Explorer II. Now through December 7, travelers can take advantage of these FALL SAVINGS to book an unforgettable liveaboard adventure at an unbeatable price.
With warm waters calling and colorful reefs waiting to be explored, now is the perfect time for divers to experience the Caribbean’s best dive sites without breaking the bank. Guests can enjoy up to five dives per day, stargazing by night, and optional land tours aboard the Caribbean Explorer II—all while experiencing the ultimate comfort of well-appointed vessels with comfortable cabins and delicious meals.
Explorer Ventures Fleet invites divers to embrace the changing season with this limited-time offer. Availability is limited for select departure dates, and these savings won’t last long, making it the perfect opportunity for you and your dive buddy to plan a fall getaway.
Save $700 per person on the following departures in these Fall Savings:
- Caribbean Explorer II, departing Nov 23, Nov 30, and Dec 7 (Saba, St. Kitts, St. Maarten)
- Turks & Caicos Explorer II, departing Nov 9 only.
For those looking for a diving adventure further afield, Explorer Ventures Fleet is also offering last-minute discounts for select departures aboard the Black Pearl Explorer in Palau. Divers can enjoy discounted rates on a 7-night “Best of Palau” itinerary, making this an ideal opportunity to explore one of the world’s most renowned dive destinations at a great price.
To book your Fall Savings departure and check out the last-minute Palau discounts visit https://www.explorerventures.com/discounts-specials/ or contact the Explorer Ventures team directly:
info@explorerventures.com / 1-800-322-3577 / +1 307-235-0683 / www.explorerventures.com
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