Effects of relaxation and music therapy on patients in a coronary care unit with presumptive acute myocardial infarction.
(an abstract)

Guzzetta, Cathie E; -Source- Heart & Lung 18:6 page 609(8) Nov, 1989 Effects of relaxation and music therapy on patients in a coronary care unit with presumptive acute myocardial infarction. -Abstract- A heart attack, also called an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is a potentially fatal event that if survived by a patient results in their admission to a coronary care unit. This is an extremely stressful event and the amount of stress can affect the patient's prognosis and recovery. The holistic approach to medicine recognizes this fact and attempts to reduce stress by a number of relaxation techniques. Many techniques are available, but little research has been done concerning their effectiveness. Benson's relaxation technique is a form of meditation in which the patient focuses on a word during the relaxation exercise. Music therapy is a potentially beneficial treatment for health problems including high blood pressure, migraine headaches, gastrointestinal ulcers, and cancer. A reduction in heart rates, pain, and an increased mood and peripheral temperature have been demonstrated in surgical and critical care patients who attended music therapy. A recent study determined the effectiveness of music and relaxation therapy against no therapy in reducing stress in 80 AMI patients. After attending three sessions in two days, patient stress was evaluated by heart rates, temperatures, heart complications, and the patient's own feelings about their stress. Those patients who received music or relaxation therapy had lower heart rates and higher peripheral temperatures than patients not receiving treatment. Patients receiving music or relaxation therapy had fewer cardiac complications and thought that the therapy was beneficial for their condition. It is concluded that music and relaxation therapy are effective in reducing stress in AMI patients and may aid in their prognosis and recovery.