Love listening to music? It's a heart-smart habit—especially for at least 30 minutes daily. A University of Belgrade study of heart attack patients found those who listened regularly experienced less anxiety, pain, and cardiac issues.
Promotes Relaxation
Regular music sessions enhance relaxation, offering real benefits. "Stress elevates heart rate and blood pressure, adding strain to the heart and blood vessels," notes Nelleke van der Houwen, science information officer at the Heart Foundation.
Personalized Music Therapy
Researchers matched patients with post-heart attack angina pectoris to ideal music: optimal genre, tempo, and tones. Participants listened for 30 minutes daily in a quiet setting, eyes closed.
Fewer Long-Term Complaints
After seven years, the music group fared better than those on standard treatment, needing fewer interventions and showing:
less anxiety
less chest pain
less need for bypass surgery
less heart failure
fewer repeat heart attacks and lower mortality rates
Future Research
This small-scale study highlights potential benefits, though larger trials are needed. Daily music breaks for relaxation are a safe, worthwhile practice. Researchers continue analyzing data to identify ideal patients and age groups.
