Soumya Vajpayee

Singer Elton John once said, ‘Music has healing power’ and thi something even medica science agrees with. On World Hypertension Da today, experts help us uncover the therapeut side of music.

Several studies suggest that the calming effect of mu can help lower blood pressure. “Anything t helps us anchor in the present moment reduces s and listening to calming music of them. As the stress levels reduce, t sympathetic drive (the fight or flight response that increases heart rate and blood pressure) reduces,” says Dr Sudhir Vaishnav, cardiologist.

In case of high blood pressure, the heart and breathing rate goes up. In such a situation, music therapy can help alleviate the stress levels, thus relieving the feeling of anxiety and stress. “This, in turn, brings down the heart rate to normal levels and ultimately results in a slight, but meaningful decrease in the blood pressure. The effect of music therapy is similar to breathing exercises that people commonly practice for anxiety and stress relaxation. It can also act as a diversion tactic from pain or negative situations,” says Dr Vivek Mahajan, consultant, cardiac surgery, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan (Maharashtra).

Experts advice listening to soft, relaxing, or classical music, as they help ease the heart rate and bring the blood

pressure under control. “Studies that use music therapy prefer music that is quiet, comfortable, and soothing. These include instrumental music pieces such as flutes and pianos. The treatments also include natural sounds such as ocean waves or the chirping of birds or flowing water. These relieve the anxiety and stress while creating a relaxing atmosphere that diverts a patient’s attention and makes them feel good,” adds Dr Mahajan.

Loud music with fast beats, on the other hand, induces excitement and high heart rate. “Listening to disco or really fast-paced, loud music may have a paradoxical effect,” explains

Dr Vaishnav.