Music Helps BP During Surgery

Music may indeed soothe the savage beast, but it can also go a long way toward calming the anxious patient. Many patients experience elevated blood pressure -- one of the key signs of anxiety and stress -- prior to undergoing medical tests or surgery. Music, however, appears to positively influence this stress, according to research.

A recent study focused on patients who were scheduled for surgery requiring only light or local anesthesia. Their elevated BP rates returned to normal during the procedure simply by listening to the music of their choice throughout. Patients who listened to music before and during their procedure also reported lower levels of stress, significantly less pain and faster healing than those who did not.

Patients typically receive painkillers and sedatives before any surgical procedure, but the addition of a little musical intervention appears to be helpful as well. So if you're facing surgery, talk with your doctor and hospital about the possibility of adding some sounds of music to the operating room.

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