do people with MTHFR deficiency (that might cause excessive blood clotting) can dive?

[thomas757]

Hi.
My friend who has MTHFR deficiency want to enroll a scuba diving course.
Is it possible? or not because of danger for decompression injury?
Best Regards.
Tom

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Tom,

Persons with MTHFR deficiency are prone to blood clotting, inhibition of anticoagulation & activation of platelet aggregation.

The dehydration common in scuba could aggravate these blood-related activities. Also of concern is the bubble-induced platelet aggregation that commonly occurs in DCS; this phenomenon could be very much more worrisome in divers with MTHFR deficiency.

Your friend would be well advised to seek clearance from a hematologist with some diving medicine knowledge before undertaking this recreation.

Regards,

DocVikingo