Free diving and heart heath

[jaybee]

Hi all. I have asked this question on another site and was recommended to ask it here. My question is: What effect, good or bad does free diving (spearfishing in particular) have on heart health? 12 years ago I had a problem with my heart (enlarged ventricles) and was advised to stop tank diving, which I did. My heart is now in good health and I am living in the tropics and go out as a boatman at least once a week while everyone else shoots their fill in beautiful clear bath warm water. I am breaking my neck to get into it myself, (under the close eye of very experienced spearos) and will probably consult my doctor back in NZ first but was just wondering what the general effect of free diving had on the heart. I am fit and a competent swimmer. I never go out without getting in the water for a snorkel with normal diving fins and mask but am keen to go a bit deeper and kill something (not being me) with the proper gear.
Any opinions greatly appreciated. Cheers Jaybee.

 

[efattah]

We do know that freediving improves your carotid arteries, making them wider, cleaner, and feeding more oxygen to the brain on a permanent basis, and creating (thereby) a permanent increase in I.Q. This has led to a pool training program (3 weeks long) whose only purpose is to increase I.Q.

But the heart? I would say it is probably helpful, but I don't have any evidence.

 

[hogphish]

Unusual for "enlarged ventricles" (cardiomyopathy) to correct itself...I would have your local doc order an echocardiogram before you start apnea training. Hypoxia and hypercarbia can definitely cause abnormal heart rhythms with this medical history.

 

[freedivinmike]

Eric, has there been a study done that has proven the carotid arteries improve? I want to tell my doctor about this on my next physical and would like to show him some proof if it exists. Thanks!!

 

[efattah]

There was at least one study that showed that IQ and carotid diameter improved after 3 weeks of pool apnea training. However the closest reference I could find at the moment was here:

The Brain Bubbles technique to permanently boost your IQ in just 3 weeks!

 

[Siku]

I've read here that static holds on big (packed) inhales put abnormal pressure on the heart due to the enlarged lungs pressing against it. And I've certainly experienced 'abnormal' and arrythmic heart patterns during breath holds.

Common sense tells me that this isn't great for my heart, but experience tells me that common sense can be wrong.

Presumably the additional stress on the heart can cause trouble, but then so can running - if you were out of shape or had a heart problem and pushed your self too far. Obviously running is 'good' for your heart if approached properly.

 

[Dartfisher]

I wonder if since freediving helps to dialate arteries, if it wouldnt be helpful to someone with enlarged ventricals. In my mind larger, cleaner arteries would help to increase perfusion so that the left ventrical does less work. In turn keeping it from becoming any larger. Maybe not decrease in size.
Nic

 

[hogphish]

Freediving creates selective vasodilitation. Vasoconstriction to extremeties and non essential organs. Blood flow is increased to brain and heart because of the hypoxia. That last deep breath and packing if you do it decreases preload or blood flowing into ventricles because of increased thoracic pressure. With a cardiomyopathy this is counter productive because you need the ventricular filling pressure. Freediving also creates a "relative hypervolemia" where your core is overloaded with fluid...thats why you piss like a racehorse on crack when you dive for several hours. The mamalian reflex and training for it are beneficial to a healthy system...but with a cardiomyopathy...not so much (imho).

 

[nostres]

There was at least one study that showed that IQ and carotid diameter improved after 3 weeks of pool apnea training. However the closest reference I could find at the moment was here:

The Brain Bubbles technique to permanently boost your IQ in just 3 weeks!

Probably this is the link You were looking for

Two GUARANTEED Ways To Profoundly Increase Your Intelligence

a long one, scroll down till You see CO2

 

[Fondueset]

Moderate apnea increases circulation to the heart and brain by virtue of CO2 - this is on of the 'secrets' of Pranayama - yogic breathwork - wherein one works to lengthen the parts of the breath. But you are right to consult a doctor - as there are changes in blood pressure and factors involving exertion in apnea to to take into account.