This is a little off the subject of freediving but relates to high risk nature of the sport. I just got the results of my heart scan. I am 49 and have no risk factors for coronary heart disease; I don't smoke, I have low cholesteral, I am reasonably fit and active, and I regularly exercise. Yet, much to my own and my doctor's surprise, I have the beginnings of plaque build up in my major left cardiac artery. All my other arteries are clear. This is the beginning of heart disease.
I am asymtomatic which means that this would not have been caught in its early stages by using standard screening proceedures. Unfortunately heart scans are new and still considered to be "experimental" by insurances companies. Mine cost almost $600 and is not a covered by my ins. provider :t.
Fortunately, by catching this early I can take immediate steps to reverse the effects and prevent them in the future. These plaques may have been there for decades or might be quite recent. Either way they have to dealt with aggressively. I will be having a stress echocardiogram and other tests done and am meeting with many professionals to look at the condition of my heart muscles as well as to assess the nutritional, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that I need to make.
At this time all the tests indicate that I am not at any risk and can continue diving. What we don't know is the progression of this problem. As I plan on freediving until I can't crawl to the water I am very motivated to handle this problem. And hopefully some of these changes will help increase my deep times.
I have a son starting college in the fall who was the valedictorian of his graduating class and a daughter who is just entering first grade and I am just completing a Ph.D. in pediatric neuropsychology - I have a lot that I still want to do. I haven't been to the Maldives or the South Pacific, I haven't helped enough children with traumatic brain injuries, and I haven't spent enough time with my family and friends yet. Even a small arrythmia at depth could have been fatal.
The point of all of this is to encourage those of you are mid-40 or beyond to get screened regardless of other indicators. This was the best $600 dollars I ever spent. There is nothing as effective as prevention.
Warmly, Angus
I am asymtomatic which means that this would not have been caught in its early stages by using standard screening proceedures. Unfortunately heart scans are new and still considered to be "experimental" by insurances companies. Mine cost almost $600 and is not a covered by my ins. provider :t.
Fortunately, by catching this early I can take immediate steps to reverse the effects and prevent them in the future. These plaques may have been there for decades or might be quite recent. Either way they have to dealt with aggressively. I will be having a stress echocardiogram and other tests done and am meeting with many professionals to look at the condition of my heart muscles as well as to assess the nutritional, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that I need to make.
At this time all the tests indicate that I am not at any risk and can continue diving. What we don't know is the progression of this problem. As I plan on freediving until I can't crawl to the water I am very motivated to handle this problem. And hopefully some of these changes will help increase my deep times.
I have a son starting college in the fall who was the valedictorian of his graduating class and a daughter who is just entering first grade and I am just completing a Ph.D. in pediatric neuropsychology - I have a lot that I still want to do. I haven't been to the Maldives or the South Pacific, I haven't helped enough children with traumatic brain injuries, and I haven't spent enough time with my family and friends yet. Even a small arrythmia at depth could have been fatal.
The point of all of this is to encourage those of you are mid-40 or beyond to get screened regardless of other indicators. This was the best $600 dollars I ever spent. There is nothing as effective as prevention.
Warmly, Angus