Can I dive if I have Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death among divers and is the main type of heart disease in the United States.  Any person with CAD that requires medication or surgery should not dive.  If a person has had a heart attack and has had at least one year pass since the attack, has no chest pain or arrhythmia on maximum exercise, has a normal stress test, and has a normal physical exam, may continue to dive.  You should always consult your physician if you have CAD before you decide to get in the water to dive.