Music Effect on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

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Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of music on blood pressure and heart rate. The research experiment has shown that music significantly affects blood pressure and heart rate. The findings did not reveal any significant change in the P-value. Moreover, while listening to baseline music, participants’ heart rate increased but reduced when they were subjected to fast music. Additionally, the results indicated that participants who listened to fast music experienced higher systolic blood pressures (M=116.194, SD =9.77) compared to those who listened to slow music. Nevertheless, diastolic blood pressure was lower for participants who listened to slow music (M=72.08, SD =7.2) compared to those who listened to fast music. Therefore, we can conclude that music has a therapeutic effect on both blood pressure and heart rate. The major limitations of the study were mainly the use of a small and young sample.

Key words: heart rate, blood pressure, cardiovascular system music therapy.

Introduction

For centuries, listening to music has been a culturally accepted therapy with documented relaxing effects. Moreover, music responds positively to high blood pressure and heart rate, which may have positive impacts on the cardiovascular system. In other words, music influences the psychological stressors that may affect cardiovascular functioning. Past research studies have also indicated that music is an effective and appropriate anxiolytic and audio analgesia in both dental and medical settings (Chafin et al. 2006). For example, among patients suffering from coronary heart diseases, music has played a crucial role in lowering apical heart rates. Also, listening to music reduces anxiety among patients, thus causing mental and physical relaxation. Therefore, renders mental and physical healing to patients, which in return reduces their blood pressure and heart rates. In addition, music attenuates symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, senile dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy (Sutoo & Akiyama 2004). Individuals suffering from coronary heart disease repeatedly suffer from cardiac complications and distress, and on certain occasions, they succumb to cardiac arrest. However, listening to music is believed to reduce the respiratory rate and pain among coronary heart disease patients.

Experimental aim

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of music on blood pressure and heart rate.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of the study is that listening to music reduces the elevation of blood pressure and heart rate.

The hypothesis is based on past research findings, which have indicated that music reduces cardiovascular reactivity, which is associated with high blood pressure and heart rate (Chafin et al. 2006). Moreover, music facilitates quick recovery from the post-stress effects of high blood pressure. Although, there are limited research studies on the effects of music on the heart rate, nonetheless, available studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between music and the heart rate (Loomba, Shah, Chandrasekar, Arora, & Molnar 2012). Therefore, in this current study we aim to support the previous studies based on the stated hypothesis.

Literature Review

Several studies have been conducted in the past to determine the effects that music has on blood pressure and heart rate. These studies have showed a positive correlation between music and blood pressure and heart rate. Loomba et al. (2002) used a meta-analysis to compare the effect that music had on heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and systolic blood pressure. In their study, the authors established that music therapy significantly reduced the heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and systolic blood pressure. The study also established that a reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure readings usually serves an important role in the mental and physiological relation, thus reducing anxiety among the patients. Moreover, music reduces the pre-operative anxiety among patients, which in turn enhances a decrease in recovery time, pain, and postoperative vomiting. These findings have been supported and described in a study conducted by Chafin et al. (2004). In this study, 75 participants were subjected to a three-minute challenging mental arithmetic task after which the participants were allowed to listen to pop, jazz, and classical music. Subjects who listened to music compared to those who did not had lower systolic blood pressure levels (Chafin et al. 2004). The major finding and conclusion made was that listening to music served as an impetus to cardiovascular recovery derived from stress.

Anxiety and helplessness is common among patients waiting to undergo any form of surgical procedures. Moreover, tension and postoperative pain is exhibited which may have an effect on cardiovascular recovery and the immune system. In their study to establish if preoperative relaxation music influenced physiological aspects (respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate) Ikonomidou, Rehnstrom and Naesh (2004) established that anxiety reduces after a patient listened to music. Therefore, music therapy improves patients’ satisfaction and comfort, thus preventing any post respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate complications. These findings are reflected in a study conducted by Bradt and Dileo (2009), which showed that listening to music has a positive effect on pain, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate in persons with coronary heart disease. The findings also showed that continuous music led to minor but consistent pain-reducing effects. Therefore, listening to music has significant beneficial effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Clinical findings tabulated by Sutoo and Akiyama (2004) have indicated that music has the capacity to reduce blood pressure among various patients.

Elevated blood pressure is usually linked to kidney disease, stroke, heart failure and heart attack. Moreover, there exists a closer relationship between the risk of developing coronary heart disease and blood pressure (Lin, Liu, Liou, Hsu, & Lin 2012). People with high blood pressure also suffer from other health issues such as obesity and body weight problems that may result in cardiovascular diseases or heart attack if not addressed. It is recommended therefore that persons with high blood pressure undertake regular exercises such as listening to music or performing physical exercises. Burggraaf and Elffers et al. (2013) carried out a study to evaluate the neurocariological differences between normal people and musicians. The results indicated that active music making has the same effect as those experienced during physical training. In the study, parameters such as heart rate, baroreflex gain, and blood pressure were measured. It was established that music has therapeutic values as it lowers blood pressure, increases baroreflex gain, and reduces the heart rate. Therefore, to prevent early death from cardiovascular diseases, Burggraaf and Elffers et al. (2013) advises young adults to engage in active music making. The study introduced a new perspective that other than acting as a form of career for artisans, active music making has other potential health benefits.

Music does not primarily advance one’s quality of life but it has effects on heart rate variability (HRV) and the heart rate (HR). These presuppositions are supported and described by a research study carried out by Trappe (2012) and Trappe (2011) on the effects of music on the human body. The study established that listening to Mozart symphony or any form of music “could also lower blood pressure, heart rate and improve heart rate variability” (Trappe 2012, p.133; Bernardi, 2007, p.139). What this means is that HRV improves when a person listens to music, while HR and blood pressure reduces. The study further showed that therapeutic music significantly decreased anxiety levels among preoperative patients. Moreover, patients who listened to music while relaxing in bed following open-heart surgery showed changes in their cortisol levels. Medication music and classical music are more beneficial to health, whereas techno or heavy metal is considerably dangerous or ineffective. Other than having significant effect on HRV, HR, and blood pressure, music makes one happy, thus minimizing any significant effects on the cardiovascular system (Trappe 2012; Trappe 2011). Therefore, music could be used to regulate cardiovascular disturbances, psychiatric diseases, depressive syndromes, and pain.

The use of music albeit in varying beats or tempos per minute has physiological effects on the human body. For instance, when one listens to fast beat/tempo music (120-130beats/minute), the heart rate and blood pressure increases as a result of increased anxiety (Armon, Fisher, Goldfarb, & Milton (2011). On the other hand, slow music beats lowers anxiety, which in turn reduces the heart rate and blood pressure. Armon et al. (2011) carried out a study to determine the effects that music tempos had on skin conductance, heart rate, and blood pressure following physical exertion. The research findings showed that compared to any other music tempo, rock music had a higher heart rate (p <.01) and classical music had higher systolic blood pressure (p <.01). However, music tempo had no effect on diastolic blood pressure and Galvanic skin response. In a separate study on the effects of music on a heart’s electrical function, Dousty, Daneshvar, and Haghjoo (2011) found that “arousal music influenced T-wave maximum amplitude, whereas no such change was recorded in response to the sedative music” (p.396). in other words, arousal music has an electrical function on the heart. In their conclusion, Dousty et al. (2011) stated that music compared to silence had effect on depolarization and polarization of R-wave amplitude and heart rate.

Elderly people are associated with high anxiety and blood pressure levels. This is supported and described by a study by Palmer, Schutte, and Huisman (2009) which established that elderly persons suffer from increased C-peptide and insulin levels. However, the study failed to investigate the effect of music on these variables. Bekiroglu, Ovayolu, Ergün, and Ekerbicer (2013) carried out a study to determine if Turkish classical music positively affected anxiety levels and blood pressure among elderly hypertensive patients. The results showed that systolic blood pressure decreased after a period of 28 days of music therapy. The study also established that within a period of nineteen days, acute music minimized systolic blood pressures. In their conclusion, Bekiroglu et al. (2013) concluded that Turkish classical music exposure supported by resting alone lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressures among hypertensive elderly patients. Slomen, Topp and Singer (2002) carried a study on ambulatory patients undertaking colonoscopy with the aim of determining the effects music therapy had on anxiety. Variables such as blood pressure and heart rate were measured. As expected, the study showed that “heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased among the music intervention group during the procedure while remaining unchanged in the control group” (p.126). This means that music therapy significantly decreases heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and systolic blood pressure.

Results

Below are results for the study, which were collected from a sample size of 9 participants; 4 females and 5 males. The experiment was conducted within a period of 6 weeks, during which time participants were kept under closer observation. In addition, 2 sets of reading from each subject were recorded each week. The instrument used is The Electronic Blood Presser Monitor. The device screen display three variables systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR).

Figure 1: The effect of different environment on the heart rate.

From figure 1 above, there is a direct relationship between music tempo and heart rate. For instance, the participants’ heart rate was higher (77bpm) when listening to baseline music, but it reduced when they were subjected to fast music. However, silence had no significant effect on the participants. The participants’ heart rate was lower when listening to slow music than when listening to baseline music. Therefore, music significantly affects the heart rate.

Table 1 presents data in the form of Mean ± Standard deviation. The T. Test has been used with a 95% confidence interval between all readings and the base line. The variables measured are Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP).

Table 1: Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) Mean and Standard deviation

Number of subjects 9
Female 4
Male 5

Mean ± Standard deviation

P-value

Average control reading
SBP

DBP

120.94 ± 9.93

74.34 ± 7.17

Average Silence reading
SBP

DBP

120.87 ± 7.5

72.4 ± 5.28

0.986

0.556

Average Fast music reading
SBP

DBP

116.194 ± 9.77

72.08 ± 7.2

0.28

0.5

Average Slow music reading
SBP

DBP

114.64 ± 7.97

69.5 ± 4.95

0.10

0.11

The findings show that there is no evidence for a significant change in P-value. This is because the P-Value for all readings is > 0.05. There was no significant systolic blood pressure reading among the respondents while not listening to music (p=0.986>0.05). However, the systolic blood pressure was higher while listening to fast music (M=116.194, SD =9.77) than slow music. Moreover, there was no significant difference among the four different conditions on diastolic blood pressure. When the participants were exposed to silence, their diastolic blood pressure was not higher (M =74.34, SD = 7.17), than when exposed to slow music. On the other hand, participants did not have a higher diastolic pressure while listening to fast music (M=72.08, SD =7.2) than slow music.

Discussion

As expected, music has effect on blood pressure and heart rate. While listening to baseline music, heart rate increased, but reduced after the participants were subjected to fast music. Trappe (2012) has added that variation of music resulted to greater modulation of heart rate. Moreover, study findings align with findings from a research carried by Bradt & Dileo (2009) which showed that music has the capacity to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, when relaxation music is played, various effects on blood pressure and heart rate are experienced. This view has been described and supported by Ikonomidou, Rehnstrom and Naesh (2004) that confirmed the current study findings. Lemmer (2008) adds that when Mozart music is played, heart rate decreased significantly. However, relaxing music may increase heart rate or blood pressure depending on the environment (Knight & Rickard 2001). Therefore, people should listen to music so as to reduce heart rate and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

The findings have also shown that participants who listened to fast music experienced higher systolic blood pressures compared when listening to slow music. This is support by RamezanPour Moghaddam, and Sadifar (2011) in their study where they have established that systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly affected by listening to relaxing music. However, diastolic blood pressure was lower for the participants who listened to slow music compared to those who listened to fast music. The study’s findings have been supported by findings conducted by Armon et al. (2004) which showed that fast music increased anxiety, which in turn increased heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover, the findings from Bekirogu et al (2013) study have supported the experiment hypothesis that music exposure is beneficial as they have effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, slow music lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressures, while fast music has potential effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Whereas there has been significant decline in diastolic blood pressure after a person is subjected to music, single exposure is less likely to have significant effect. Generally, music when used to people reduces blood pressure as noted by Sutoo and Akiyama (2004). In a separate study, Chafin et al (2004) established that participants who listened to classical music experienced lower post-task systolic blood pressure.

Limitation in the Experiment

Limitations of the experiment include the use of a small sample (9 participants), and lack of analysis on the effect of ethnicity on heart rate and blood pressure. Time constraint (7 weeks) was the major reason why a limited number of subjects were used in the experiment. Moreover, factors which could have influenced the heart rate and blood pressure readings such as anxiety as a result of family presence have not been explored. The experiment was only confined to subjects of ranging between 20 and 30 years of age, thus discriminating elderly patients with cardiovascular disorders. As such, an all inclusive research study is suggested for future researches.

Future Directions

Ideally, a future experiment could use more participants, with the aim of collecting and generating more data that could be used to draw more accurate conclusions. Besides, a study could be carried for a longer period among ethnic lines and ages. This could provide more accurate findings on the effects of music on heart rate and blood pressure. Different settings such as before and after cardiovascular surgery could be used to investigate the role music plays in anxiety reduction, reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. The population could also include people with disabilities, the elderly, and even those with cardiovascular-associated diseases. Moreover, in future research studies, there could be the need to control the participants to ensure that they do not receive caffeinated soda or any other form of drink that may have an effect on blood pressure or heart rate. Other than using terms like high music, low or fast music, it is recommended that music tempos or beats such as classical music, rock or other form of music genre be used.

Conclusion

The aim of the study has been realized as the findings show that music has significant effect on an individual’s blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, we could conclude that the experiment’s hypothesis that listening to music reduces blood pressure elevations and heart rate has been accepted. The experiment results have showed that listening to baseline music increased heart rate, but reduced after the participants were subjected to fast music. Moreover, higher systolic blood pressures were experienced by participants who listened to fast music compared to slow music. Still, diastolic blood pressure was lower to participants who listened to slow music compared to those who listened to fast music. Therefore, slow music lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressures, while fast music has potential effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In sum, music has an effect on blood pressure and heart rate. The use of a small and young sample is a major limitation to the research study.

Reference List

Armon, R, Fisher, A, Goldfar, B, & Milton, C 2011, ‘Effects of music tempos on blood pressure, heart rate, and skin conductance after physical exertion’, University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Bekiro˘glu, T, Ovayolu, N, Ergün, Y, & Ekerbicer, H C 2013, ‘Effect of Turkish classical music on blood pressure: A randomized controlled trial in hypertensive elderly patients’, Complementary Therapies in Medicine , vol. 21, PP.147—154.

Bernardi, L 2007, ‘Music and the heart’, European Perspectives in Cardiology, p. 139-144

Bradt J, Dileo C 2009, Music for stress and anxiety reduction in coronary heart disease patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no 2, pp. 1-20. CD006577.

Burggraaf, J L I & Elffers, T W 2013, ‘Neurocardiological differences between musicians and control subjects’, Netherland Heart Journal, vol. 21, pp. 183–188.

Chafin, S, Roy, M, Gerin, W & Christenfeld, N 2006, ‘Music can facilitate blood pressure recovery from stress’, British Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 9, pp. 393–403.

Dousty, M, Daneshvar, s & Haghjoo, M 2011, ‘The effects of sedative music, arousal music, and silence on electrocardiography signals’, Journal of Electrocardiology, vol. 44 , pp. 396.e1–396.e6.

Ikonomidou, E, Rehnstrom,A & Naesh, O 2004, Effects of music on vital signs and postoperative pain’, AORN Journal, vol. 80, no.2, pp. 269-277.

Knight W E, & Rickard, N 2001, ‘Relaxing music prevents stress-induced increases in subjective anxiety, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate in healthy males and females’, Journal of Music Therapy, vol. XXXVIII, no. 4, pp. 254-272.

Lemmer, B 2008, ‘Effects of music composed by Mozart and Ligeti on blood pressure and heart rate circadian rhythms in normotensive and hypertensive rats’, Chronobiology International, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 971-86.

Lin, L, Liu, C, Liou, S, Hsu, S & Lin, J 2012, ‘High blood pressure in adults with disabilities: Influence of gender, body weight and health behaviors’, Research in Developmental Disabilities, vol. 33, pp. 508–1515.

Loomba, R S, Shah, P H, Chandrasekar, S, Arora, R & Molnar, J 2012, ‘Effects of music on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate: a meta-analysis’, Indian Heart Journal, vol. 6403, pp. 309–313.

Palmer, I M, Schutte, A E, & Huisman , H W 2009, ‘Ethnic and gender differences regarding the insulin blood pressure relationship’, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, vol. 85, pp. 202-210.

RamezanPour, Moghaddam, A & Sadifar, E 2011, ‘Comparison the effects of listening to three types of music during exercise on heart rate, blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion and fatigue onset time’, Iranian Journal of Health and Physical Activity, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 15-20.

Slomen, D, Topp, R & Singer, L 2002, ‘The effect of self-selected music during colonoscopy on anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure’, Applied Nursing Research, vol.15, no. 3, pp. 126-136.

Sutoo, D & Akiyama, K 2004, ‘Music improves dopaminergic neurotransmission: demonstration based on the effect of music on blood pressure regulation’, Brain Research, vol. 1016, pp. 255– 262.

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