Disease of heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular diseases, CVD) is the
leading cause of deaths in the United States and one of the most common
causes of fatal diving accidents. The prevalence of CVD increases with age as does the risk of death, but death may also occur in subjects who had no previous
symptoms of CVD. Both apparently healthy subjects and those with
diagnosed CVD may reduce their risk by modifying their lifestyle and
controlling risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet,
alcoholism, high cholesterol, being overweight and having high blood
glucose. A healthy lifestyle increases a diver’s longevity, quality of
life and safety.
Check out the full article to learn about cardiovascular
risk factors, the evaluation of individual risks and preventive measures
that reduce risk of CVD and related death.
Then, take the quiz to test your knowledge of
Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Diving.