Music May Be Able To Heal The Heart

We know that music can have a strong effect on us emotionally and even physically. Fast, upbeat music is great to listen to when you’re exercising, while soothing music often provides the right atmosphere if you’re trying to relax. Now, researchers believe they’ve found a music/heart connection as well.

Studying 24 adults and their cardiovascular (heart and blood system) reaction to music led researchers to notice that crescendos, when music gets louder and more insistent sped up the heart beat, for example:

• Every crescendo led to increased narrowing of blood vessels under the skin, increased blood pressure and heart rate and increased respiration amplitude. In each music track the extent of the effect was proportional to the change in music profile.
• During the silent pause, changes decreased, with blood vessels under the skin dilating and marked reductions in heart rate and blood pressure. Unlike with music, silence reduced heart rate and other variables, indicating relaxation.
• Music phrases around 10 seconds long, like those used in “Va Pensiero” and “Libiam Nei Lieti Calici,” synchronized inherent cardiovascular rhythm, thus modulating cardiovascular control.

You can read more about these interesting findings in this press release: Music may have a future role in heart and stroke patient rehab.

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Images: Courtesy of PhotoXpress.com