Effect of classical music on reducing blood pressure in children

Abstract

Background High blood pressure remains a public health problem. High blood pressure in children and adolescent is a major risk for cardiovascular disease in adulthood which can cause high morbidity and mortality. Listening to the classical music can be used as an alternative in reducing high blood pressure. Objective To investigate the effect of classical music in reducing blood pressure in children with high normal blood pressure and or hypertension. Methods Eighty eight students of Sidorame Senior High School Medan with blood pressure 2: 120/80 mmHg or blood pressure 2: 90 percentile Task Force were included in this study. The Vivaldi's Four Seasons was played for 30 minutes using Sony stereo cassette recorder and earphone. The students' blood pressure were measured after listening to the music. Results The reduction of students' blood pressure in the classical music group was greater than control group (L'ISBP, L'IDBP 9.4lmmHg, 6.05mmHg versus 4.37mmHg, 2.23mmHg) and showed statistically difference. Conclusion Listening to the classical music can reduce blood pressure in children with high blood pressure.

Keywords

• Classical music
• blood pressure