The Therapeutic Effect of Music on Oxidative Stress Markers and Anxiety in Hypertension

Objective : Cardiovascular disease is amenable to mortality and morbidity in India and worldwide. The asymptomatic nature of hypertension made it a silent killer. Evidence suggests the role of oxidative stress and anxiety in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Lifestyle modification can control hypertension and, thus, can prevent complications. Music therapy is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and economic practice used for the management of hypertension, anxiety, and oxidative stress. The present study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Raga Ananda Bhairavi on oxidative stress and anxiety in hypertensive patients.

Materials and Methods: This randomized control study comprises of a total of 120 participants of age between 30-60years. All the study participants were divided into an experimental and control group. The instrumental music of Raga Ananda Bhairavi was provided to the experimental group for three months. The anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessment, and estimation of oxidative stress parameters were done in all subjects before and after three months of intervention.

Results: The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, anxiety levels, and oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde significantly reduced after music therapy, and the superoxide dismutase level significantly improved after the intervention.

Conclusion: Music can be used as an adjunct therapy for the management of hypertension.