Music is good for the heart

Researchers at the University of Maryland showed for the first time that positive emotions aroused by joyful music have a favorable effect on the endothelium.

"We believe that the brain plays a pivotal role in vascular health," according to lead author Michael Miller. "High cholesterol and high blood pressure are very important, but some individuals lacking these risk factors develop significant heart disease, and that may be partly related to their response to stress."

If music can evoke positive emotions to counteract negative stresses of everyday life, it could have a very important influence on vascular health, he said. "It should be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, just as we might incorporate other healthy habits."

The study was presented at the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.

It has been known for some time that mental stress can cause vasoconstriction, which will have an effect on endothelial function which affects the blood vessels in the heart. Positive emotions have been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood vessels.

Researchers wondered whether music could have the same effect. To determine the effect of music on endothelial function, the researchers conducted a 4-phase crossover randomized study. The participants included 10 healthy, nonsmokers — 7 male and 3 female — with a mean age of 36 years.

The volunteers selected 30 minutes of music they enjoyed. To minimize emotional desensitization, participants were told to avoid listening to this particular music for 2 weeks prior to the start of the study. Volunteers were also asked to identify music that made them feel anxious.

Researchers found that listening to enjoyable music stimulated blood flow and dilation of the vessels, which should lead to positive effects on the heart.