Mozart: Good for the Heart?

 

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For centuries, listeners of classical music have remarked about its uplifting and inspirational nature. Now, however, researchers in Greece say it might have a measurable effect on cardiovascular health. In reporting initial findings earlier this year in the journal Atherosclerosis, Charalambos Vlachopoulos of the Athens Medical School reported that subjects who listening to music saw decreases in aortic stiffness and wave reflections, and that classical music listeners saw the greatest effects.

“This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, to demonstrate that music, both classical and rock, decreases aortic stiffness and wave reflections,” wrote the researchers. In the case of this study, effects on aortic stiffness lasted as long as music was playing, and effects on wave reflections extended beyond, even as much as 30 minutes after the music was stopped. Both are causes of high blood pressure and increased strain on the heart.

While the study was quite small and more research is required to determine the overall effects that music might have on cardiovascular health, it is an intriguing first look at a new avenue for improving health by simply pressing “play.”

**Above article was written by Chris Willuhn, Advocacy Aide.

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