Anxiety

Listening to music may help reduce anxiety and stress in individuals who suffer from a heart disease, a study indicates.

Having heart disease can be stressful, not knowing when or if you may suffer a heart attack, and stress and anxiety can increase this chance by increasing your blood pressure. However, listening to music may lead to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and less anxiety and stress, a metaanalysis shows.

The review was done using 23 studies with a total of 1,461 patients. Two studies used music therapists, but most used interventions where healthcare professionals handed out pre-recorded CDs of music. The studies had patients listen to a variety of types of music and for different durations.

The music appeared to lower heart rate and blood pressure in patients with coronary heart disease. There was also an indication that the music improved mood in some individuals; however, this was not the case for individuals who were suffering from depression due to heart disease.

More research is needed into music listening for helping heart disease patients, the reviewers note.

Source:

Psych Central: Music Relieves Stress in Heart Patients