Role of Music in Non Pharmacological Management of Hypertension

Arterial hypertension is an important risk factor for diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle modifications are often recommended as a part of treatment for mild hypertension, but the efficacy of the adjunct therapy is unclear. Weight loss and salt restriction are the most effective modalities, but each requires a major change in dietary habits, which is difficult for patient compliance.

A number of therapeutic modalities that aim to reduce stress and encourage relaxation have been evaluated for the treatment of hypertension. Various methods like autogenic training, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, Meditation, Guided imagery, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, yoga have been previously studied to reduce hypertension.

Music has long been known to reduce anxiety, minimize the need for sedatives, and make patients feel more at ease. Music therapy is different from music medicine. Music therapists individualize their interventions according to patient's needs. Patients actively get engaged in music making. However, in music medicine, subject listens to pre-recorded music with perceived benefit.

A number of research studies have been conducted to determine the effects of music on a variety of clinical conditions. Effect of music on stress reduction has been documented in physiological (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure), neurological (e.g. EEG readings) and psychological domains. In addition, the effect of music intervention has been documented in a range of medical, surgical, oncology, and pediatric patients.

In one of the studies on hypertensive individuals, there was a significant decrease in both systolic (15.9 mm Hg reduction) and diastolic BP (9 mm Hg) after weekly music therapy sessions for duration of 12 weeks. The control group did not show significant changes (Márquez-Celedonio, 2009). Among hypertensives, there was a significant reduction in BP after using a device which guides the user towards slow and regular breathing using musical sound patterns. The device was used for 10 minutes daily at home for 8 weeks. The control group in this study were given a walkman with which patients listened to quiet music. Treatment with the device reduced systolic BP, diastolic BP and Mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 15.2,10.0 and 11.7 mm Hg respectively, as compared to 11.3, 5.6 and 7.5 mm Hg with the Walkman (Schein, 2001). Another study evaluated the short and long-term effects of audio relaxation programs for BP reduction in older adults. The subjects listened to a 12-minute audio relaxation program. The reduction in systolic and diastolic BP was statistically and clinically significant (Tang, 1996).