when the right atrial pressure exceeds the left atrial pressure, will allow bubbles from the venous circulation to bypass the pulmonary circulation and enter directly into the arterial circulation
other risk factors for decompression illness (DCI) are thought to be age, poor physical fitness, cigarette smoking, dehydration, carbon dioxide retention and possibly obesity
Notes:
divers and acclimatisation
divers who are being placed under pressure frequently can become acclimatised to a particular pressure, but this acclimatisation quickly wears off over 2-3 days if the diver has time off
flying or high altitude travel after diving
flying and high altitude travel are associated with a reduction in atmospheric pressure and inert gas bubbles are therefore likely to form more readily if such travel is undertaken shortly after a dive. A good general rule is to avoid flying or high altitude travel for at least 24 h after diving
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