Music Can Reduce Stress in Heart Disease Patients

By Richard Shank

A recent report in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews outlines research that explores music's ability to ease stress and anxiety in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.

Individuals who live with CHD experience elevated levels of distress which puts them at a greater risk for complications. Numerous music interventions have been used to reduce anxiety and distress; however, prior to this review, very little has been done to systematically assess the evidence.

The review examined 23 clinical trials that utilized music as the main intervention. The results indicate that listening to music has a beneficial effect on blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, anxiety, and pain in persons with CHD. However, these findings are limited due to the fact that most studies involve pre-recorded music and did not examine the impact of a music therapist.

Source: Bradt, J., Dileo, C., Music for stress and anxiety reduction in coronary heart disease patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2. Art No.:CD006577.DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD06577/PUB.2

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