Effects of Face Masks on Pulse Rate and Blood Pressure Components During Stairs Climbing.

BACKGROUND: The use of face masks has been associated with physiological changes in body. This study aims to know the changes in pulse rate and blood pressure components after wearing face masks during stairs climbing. METHODS: An experimental study was conducted among 60 apparently healthy young adults between 18-35 years of age. The pulse rate and blood pressure of the participants were recorded during rest at ground floor and after climbing the stairs till 5th floor at brisk and regular pace without wearing the face masks. The uniform KN95 masks were distributed and proper coverage of nose, mouth and chin were ensured. After 5 minutes interval, the pulse rate and blood pressure were recorded again at rest in ground floor and after climbing stairs with use of KN95 masks. RESULTS: At rest, the difference in mean pulse rate was statistically significant after wearing masks in participants between 21-25 years of age (86.46±14.59 bpm, p=0.014). After climbing the stairs, the mean pulse rate (131.16±18.48 bpm), mean systolic blood pressure (137.67±16.13 mmHg) and mean rate pressure product (182.87±41.70) were higher in participants (age group: 26-30 years) wearing masks and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.001; 0.013; 0.001respectively). During stairs climbing, the change in mean systolic blood pressure (32.66±16.73 mmHg), mean pulse pressure (43.77±24.64 mmHg) and mean rate pressure product (96.58±37.23) were higher in participants (age group: 26-30 years) and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.036; 0.047 and 0.009 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The changes in systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and rate pressure product are found to increase after wearing face masks during stairs climbing. It can be suggestive of increase workload to the heart by wearing face masks in addition to climbing the stairs.

Impacted Canine in Orthodontic Patients of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Impacted canine is a frequently encountered clinical problem during orthodontic practice with different prevalence in each region. Treatment usually requires an interdisciplinary approach which is difficult and time consuming. Surgical exposure of the impacted tooth and the complex orthodontic mechanisms are used to align the tooth into the arch. This study was designed to find out the prevalence of impacted canine in orthodontic patients. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done with hospital records of patients from 15 to 38 years of age visited department of Orthodontics at a tertiary care hospital from August 2020 to March 2021 after obtaining ethical clearance from the institutional review committee. Convenience sampling method was used. Patients Orthopantomogram and clinical notes were thoroughly evaluated. To locate position of impacted canine cone-beam computed tomography images were used. The data was collected and entered in Microsoft Excel. Point estimate at 99% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: Out of 1008 patients, 44 (4.37%) (2.71-6.03 at 99% Confidence Interval) patients had impacted canines. Among them, maxillary canine impaction was seen in 38 (3.77%) and mandibular canine impaction in 6 (0.60%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of impacted canines was found lower than previous studies done in similar settings. Large number of patients had buccal impaction compared to palatal impaction.