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The association of face mask use with self-reported cardiovascular symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chew, Nicholas Ws; Wong, Raymond Cc; Djohan, Andie Hartanto; Ngiam, Jinghao Nicholas; Chai, Ping; Yeo, Tiong-Cheng; Tan, Huay-Cheem; Sia, Ching-Hui.
  • Chew NW; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore.
  • Wong RC; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore.
  • Djohan AH; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
  • Ngiam JN; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore.
  • Chai P; University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore.
  • Yeo TC; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore.
  • Tan HC; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
  • Sia CH; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore.
Singapore Med J ; 2021 Oct 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1449278
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Countries are mandating the use of face masks to stem the spread of COVID-19. Face mask use has been associated with discomfort due to its effects on thermoregulation, breathing and oxygenation. We evaluated the prevalence and severity of self-reported cardiovascular symptoms before and during face mask use.

METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study of 1001 participants residing in Singapore, who participated in a self-administered questionnaire between 25th April 2020 to 4th May 2020. Symptom severity before and during mask use and health-seeking behaviour information were collected. The study outcome was the self-reported worsening of cardiovascular symptoms, and its association with the type of mask worn, duration of mask worn per day, and intensity of physical activities during mask use.

RESULTS:

The commonest symptom reported during mask use was dyspnoea. Independent predictors for self-reported cardiovascular symptoms during mask use were moderate-high physical activity during mask use (OR 1.634, 95% CI 1.176-2.270, p=0.003), duration of mask use ≥3 hours (OR 1.672, 95% CI 1.189-2.352, p=0.003) and the type of mask used, after adjusting for age, sex, healthcare-based worker status and presence of comorbidities. N95 mask was associated with worse symptoms when compared to surgical mask. Participants with ≥3 worsening symptoms, or worsening dyspnoea, palpitations, fatigue and dizziness were more likely to seek medical help.

CONCLUSION:

Face mask use is proven to be an effective way in curbing COVID-19 transmission. However, participants in this study had concerns regarding its use and these concerns should be urgently addressed to enable mask-use policies to be enacted.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Smedj.2021140

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Smedj.2021140