Recently, an increase in extravascular lung water (EVLW) accumulation with 
diminished left ventricular contractility within 60 min after SCUBA diving was 
reported. We have observed previously that diving was associated with reduced 
diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and arterial oxygen pressure 
for up to 60-80 min postdive. Here we investigated whether increased EVLW 
persists 2-3h after successive deep dives in a group of seven male divers. The 
echocardiographic indices of pulmonary water accumulation (ultrasound lung 
comets (ULC)) and left ventricular function, respiratory functional measurements 
and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) were assessed 2-3h post diving, while 
venous gas bubbles (VGB) and the blood levels of NT-proBNP and proANP were 
analyzed 40 min after surfacing. Spirometry values, flow-volume, DLCO, SaO(2) 
and ULC were unchanged after each dive, except for significant increase in ULC 
after the second dive. Left ventricular function was reduced, while NT-proBNP 
and proANP levels were significantly elevated after majority of dives, 
suggesting a cardiac strain.