| At this time, there is no known interaction between the
effects of cholesterol-lowering agents and diving. But this is
not the complete answer. Some cholesterol-lowering medications can cause side
effects which might impair diving performance; others may cause symptoms similar
to decompression illness, such as dizziness, fatigue, paresthesia (a burning,
tickling or tingling sensation), peripheral neuritis (inflammation of a nerve)
and muscle and joint pain.
Patients who take these medications regularly are usually aware of such side
effects and, in the event of a dive accident, should be specifically asked about
them. Another important issue for individuals taking hypolipidemic medication is
cardiovascular fitness. High cholesterol is one of several well-known risk
factors for cardiovascular disease. Other risk factors include diabetes,
hypertension, cigarette smoking, being overweight, a family history of heart
disease before the age of 55 and simply being male (cardiovascular disease is
more common in males).
Any individual taking cholesterol-lowering medication
should therefore receive the OK from his personal physician that he is
physically fit and capable of sustaining exercise levels which are likely to be
experienced in diving.
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