Joyful music improves blood vessel function

Posted on 2008-11-17 09:24:59 in Cardio-Vascular |
Recent study results suggest that laughing and listening to music that makes people feel joyful can help to improve blood vessel function.

Recent study results suggest that laughing and listening to music that makes people feel joyful can help to improve blood vessel function.

Michael Miller and colleagues studied the effect of different music on 10 volunteers. While the volunteers were listening to the music the researchers measured how well their blood vessels responded to a sudden increase in blood flow caused by the release of a blood pressure cuff.

Results showed that when the volunteers listened to music that made them feel joyful their blood vessels dilated by 26%. In comparison, listening to music that made the volunteers feel anxious caused blood vessels to dilate by 6%. Laughter was also found to improve blood flow. Listening to a comedy tape caused blood vessels to dilate by 19%.

Miller M, Beach V, Mangano C, Vogel RA. Positive Emotions and the Endothelium: Does Joyful Music Improve Vascular Health?” Miller M, Beach V, Mangano C, Vogel RA. Presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, November 11th 2008.


Health Headlines

Language and memory tests can reliably predict when a healthy elderly person is likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to dementia
Rush University Medical Center (USA) embarks on a research study to ascertain how microbial imbalances may impact diseases such as breast cancer.
Yale University researchers report improved function of the blood vessel lining and reduced cholesterol levels in diabetics who consume walnuts daily.
Routine moderate exercise can reduce the risk of premature death in people with heart problems by up to 60%.
Added as a sweetener to many processed foods and beverages, fructose (also known as high fructose corn syrup), may increase blood pressure.
Diets high in sodium and artificially sweetened soda linked to kidney function decline.
Antioxidant compounds retard the ability of influenza virus to damage a key protein in lungs
Studying an animal model of spinal cord injury, UCSD researchers report successful regeneration of nerve cells even when treatment is delayed.
Gallup Survey finds that 11.3% of American adults have diabetes, and the trend upwards is projected to continue unless aggressive interventions are implemented.
More than 11% of American adults surveyed say they failed to enjoy a day in the previous month where they got enough sleep.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Bio-Identical Hormone
          Replacement

Dr. Sangeeta Pati, one of the world’s foremost educators and practicing physicians in the field of HRT shared “The Nuts and Bolts of Hormone Restoration” via webinar. View the Webinar.

International Events
See all events »