I practice scuba diving, is Natrilix to control BP a betblocker?
Can I pratcie scuba diving with mild and controlled high blood pressure, when taking Natrilix or coversyl.
Thanks
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Tags: betblocker, control, diving, Natrilix, practice, scuba
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While it is certainly true that would-be divers taking beta-blockers should get a doctor’s certificate first (see DAN link below), Natrilix does not appear to be a beta-blocker, according to its Wikipedia entry (also below).
That said, it IS a diuretic. The general advice is to minimise intake of diuretics (such as caffeine or alcohol) prior to SCUBA diving, since they can lead to dehydration (and alcohol also impairs mental processes, amplifying the narcotic effect of nitrogen during deeper dives). SCUBA diving itself is also dehydrating, since the air breathed is very dry (causing moisture loss via the lungs), and the cold and hydrostatic pressure cause blood to be withdrawn from the skin surface/extremities to the core, causing an apparent rise in blood pressure, which the body deals with by increasing water excretion through the kidneys.
Dehydration is a problem for divers because reduced blood perfusion slows the elimination of dissolved nitrogen from the tissues (especially from the skin and extremities), increasing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). As such, you personally would need to take particular care–even more so than (I assume) you do already–to maintain your blood fluid and electrolyte levels while diving.
However, as always, a doctor experienced with hyperbaric and diving medicine will be able to give you the best advice regarding medication vs. SCUBA diving (far better than some random Y!Answerer). As someone who takes regular medication to treat a chronic condition, you would in any case be required (by the instructor) to get a medical certificate of dive fitness prior to beginning any SCUBA course.