Whether it’s soothing classical or a mellow rhythm and blues tune, listening to music can decrease blood pressure, heart rate and levels of anxiety in heart patients, according to a study conducted by Temple’s Arts and Quality of Life Center, in the Boyer College of Music and Dance. The study was published in the April 15 edition of Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

“Our findings suggest music listening may be beneficial for heart disease patients,” said Joke Bradt, assistant director of the center. “But the trials we looked at were generally small and varied in terms of styles of music used and length of music sessions. More research on the specifics of music listening is certainly warranted.”

Researchers reviewed data from 23 studies, which together included 1,461 patients. Two studies focused on patients treated by trained music therapists, but most did not, using instead interventions where patients listened to pre-recorded music on CDs offered by healthcare professionals.

Listening to music provided some relief for coronary heart disease patients suffering from anxiety, by reducing heart rate and blood pressure. There was also some indication that music listening improved mood, although no improvement was seen for patients suffering from depression due to the disease.

“We all know that music can impact on our emotions, our physiological responses, as well as our outlook on life, and this early research shows that it is well worth finding out more about how it could help heart disease patients,” said Bradt. “In particular, it would be interesting to learn more about the potential benefits of music offered by trained music therapists, which may differ substantially from those associated with pre-recorded music.”

The interdisciplinary Arts and Quality of Life Research Center, established in 2004 within the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, promotes research, training and innovative programs that demonstrate the unique role of the arts in making a difference in people’s lives. For more information about the center, visit www.temple.edu/boyer/ResearchCenter.