Abstract

Abstract Background. Scuba diving imposes uncommon environmental stresses. This study assesses the effects of recreational scuba diving on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram and compares them with those of normal controls. Methods. We studied 50 recreational scuba divers and 50 age‐matched and sex‐matched normal control subjects. Each subject had a medical history, physical examination, resting 12‐lead ECG, and transthoracic echocardiogram. Results. Electrocardiographic findings occurring significantly more frequently in scuba divers than in controls were sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, QRS duration (≥0.10 sec, right axis duration and R ≥ S in V2. The mean right ventricular internal dimension (RVID) was significantly larger in divers than in controls. High‐normal RVID (2.0 to 2.3 cm) occurred significantly more regularly in divers than in controls (10 vs 1). Conclusion. Recreational scuba diving produced right ventricular alterations characterized by chamber dilation and electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular hypertrophy, sinus bradycardia, and arrhythmia.