Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death globally; there is a significant need for innovative approaches to their treatment and prevention. Conventional methods such as drugs, lifestyle changes, and surgery are important, but there is an increasing interest in complementary treatments that have been shown to support these traditional methods. Among them, classical music has gained attention due to its possible contributions to improving heart health according to various studies. This article examines how it affects pulse rates at different stages of life and its wider uses within cardiology.
Classical music, known for its organized and melodious compositions, has always been linked to promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Despite this association, not much research has shown how it affects the body’s responses or heart rate. To fill this knowledge gap, a study was carried out to explore the impact of listening to music on the heart rate of people across three age groups. The main goal of the research was to investigate whether classical music has a soothing effect on the heart and how this impact may differ depending on one’s age.
The study included 15 volunteers split into three age categories: 18-29 years, 30-49 years, and 50 years old and above. Each group comprised 5 participants, with 3 men and 2 women. A heart-rate-monitoring Apple Watch was utilized to track and log heart rates under supervision during the experiment.
The participants’ initial heart rates were measured as they sat quietly for 5 minutes. They then listened to a 10-minute classical music piece featuring soothing works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach through headphones and an additional 10 minutes of live violin playing. Throughout the music session, their heart rates were closely monitored. Following the music session, the participants were observed for 5 minutes to note any lasting impacts.
The study showed that listening to music typically lowered heart rates for people of all ages, although the degree of decrease varied. The results are outlined in the table provided:
| Age Group | Average Baseline HR in BPM | Average HR During Music in BPM | Change in HR from Baseline to During Music (BPM) | Average Post-Music HR in BPM | Change in HR from During Music to Post-Music (BPM) | Overall Change in HR from Baseline to Post-Music (BPM) |
| 18-29 | 72 | 68 | -4 | 70 | +2 | -2 |
| 30-49 | 75 | 71 | -4 | 73 | +2 | -2 |
| 50+ | 78 | 73 | –5 | 75 | +2 | –3 |
The results of this home experiment suggest that classical music has an overall calming effect on the heart and the cardiovascular system. The impact of classical music on the system depends on age, with the most change detected in the 50+ age group, suggesting that older people may experience more benefits to their cardiovascular systems from listening to classical music. Existing research has claimed that classical music can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to reduced heart rates, lower blood pressure, and decreased stress through lesser levels of stress-causing hormones such as cortisol. These experimental findings, as well as previous research results, suggest a potential way to support heart health in a non-pharmacological method.
The stress-reducing effects of classical music are also noteworthy, as chronic stress is a well-known contributor to cardiovascular problems. The calming nature of classical music, especially pieces with slower tempos and gentle rhythms, can help mitigate stress, reducing the overall risk of heart disease. This stress reduction, combined with the observed decreases in heart rate, suggests that classical music could play a valuable role in both the prevention and management of cardiovascular conditions.
This simple experiment provides evidence that classical music can reduce heart rates, with the extent of the effect varying by age. The integration of classical music into cardiovascular treatment strategies represents an exciting and innovative frontier in the ongoing quest for better heart health.
Sources:
- Experiment Results and Data from Aditya Parikh
- Image from Aze.Media https://aze.media/8204-2/
- Information on Cardiovascular Diseases from World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#:~:text=Treatment-,Overview,heart%20disease%20and%20other%20conditions.