PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Which statement is true regarding elevated physical stress in diving?

1. It has no effect on the cardiovascular system.

2. It can cause heart-related issues in predisposed individuals.

3. It is only a concern for advanced divers.

4. It affects only the muscular system.

The correct answer is: It can cause heart-related issues in predisposed individuals.

The statement that elevated physical stress in diving can cause heart-related issues in predisposed individuals is accurate because physical exertion underwater can lead to increased cardiovascular demands. When divers experience elevated levels of stress, such as from rapid ascents, challenging environmental conditions, or physical exertion, their heart rate and blood pressure can rise significantly. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with existing heart conditions or those who may be predisposed to heart disease. The underwater environment itself adds additional stressors, such as increased water pressure and potential thermal stress, which may already place strain on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, divers, especially those with known risk factors, need to be mindful of their physical condition and the demands that diving may impose. In contrast, other options are either misleading or incorrect. The notion that elevated physical stress has no effect on the cardiovascular system overlooks the fundamental physiological changes that occur during exertion. Claiming it's only a concern for advanced divers does not recognize that all divers, regardless of experience level, can encounter stress and potentially harmful physiological responses. Lastly, the assertion that it affects only the muscular system fails to acknowledge the comprehensive impact that stress and exertion have on numerous bodily systems, particularly the cardiovascular one.