Prolonged Mask Use may Worsen BP and blood sugar control among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients: Study

A recent study conducted at Nanjing Yimin Hospital, China highlights the potentially detrimental effects of prolonged mask use on patients with hypertension or diabetes. The key findings were published in the latest issue of the Journal of International Medical Research that examined the impacts of extended mask-wearing on individuals with these pre-existing health conditions throughout the pandemic.

The research spanned from February 2022 to January 2023 and analyzed data from patients with hypertension or diabetes who sought care at the outpatient department. The participants were divided into two groups: one who wore masks for 20 or more hours per week (the prolonged mask-wearing group) and the other who wore masks for fewer than 20 hours per week (the control group).

The findings revealed troubling trends among the prolonged mask-wearing group. When compared to their counterparts in the control group, hypertensive patients who wore masks extensively expressed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). These elevations marked a departure from the similar BP levels observed in both groups one year prior.

Also, the diabetic patients in prolonged mask-wearing group underwent challenges in managing their condition by necessitating a greater need for intensified treatment compared to the control group. This disparity underlines the potential implications of prolonged mask use on glucose control and overall health outcomes for the individuals with diabetes.

The study emphasized the importance of increased monitoring and timely adjustments in treatment for hypertensive and diabetic patients who frequently wear masks. The findings suggest that prolonged mask use may have adverse effects on the blood pressure and glucose control. And so, it is imperative to prioritize regular monitoring and customized interventions to reduce these risks among the vulnerable patient populations.

Source:

He, W., Liu, Y., Zou, Z., Cheng, C., Wang, W., Huang, Z., Wu, G., Zhu, W., & Sun, H. (2024). Effects of prolonged face mask use among patients with hypertension or diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Journal of International Medical Research (Vol. 52, Issue 3). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1177/03000605241232946