Cardiac failure causes 26% of diving deaths according to DAN. What tests you need based on your age and when hypertension is a contraindication.
Heart conditions generate many consultations: deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, aortic valve surgery, bundle branch block, and the use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Divers want to know whether they can resume the activity after a cardiovascular episode, what tests hyperbaric physicians require, and what is a reasonable recovery time.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading underlying medical cause in diver deaths: according to the DAN Annual Diving Report, 26% of all deaths were attributed to cardiac failure, and in divers over 40 years of age the proportion rises to 45%. The Spanish Society of Cardiology published a consensus document in 2024 stating that uncontrolled grade 2 hypertension is a contraindication until adequate treatment is achieved. The recommendation is that every diver over 45 years of age or with cardiovascular risk factors should undergo an annual medical checkup including an electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and a stress test.