Impact of Music on Cardiac Patients

Abstract

Abstract. Controlled studies and clinical observations can elucidate the influence of music on blood pressure and heart rate, but do not explain underlying mechanisms. Clarification of contradictory scientific results requires an understanding of corresponding psycho-neuroendocrinological processes and is also indispensable to patient-centered cardiac music therapy interventions. The paper is intended to complement the thematic issue on music therapy in cardiology (MTK 25 (1), 2014). To identify neural and neuroendocrine modules linking auditory and neurocardiac systems. This should facilitate a diagnosis-specific application of music for cardiac patients. Review of empirical, neuroanatomic, and interdisciplinary medical findings about cerebral music processing. Meta-synthesis and construction of a theoretical framework that explains the impact of music on blood pressure and heart rate. Music-induced cardiac processes can be elucidated by neural and neuroendocrine modules linking auditory processing areas and neurocardiac centers. Efferent projections from the auditory pathway as well as top–down projections arising from the auditory cortex form specific functional circuitries. Overlapping and interacting projections from cortical and subcortical regions to associative processing organs (e. g., the insular cortex) integrate both physiologically and cognitively processed sound factors (i. e., the dualistic model). Via corresponding modules the auditory system is indirectly linked to hypothalamic nuclei, influencing the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as well as vasopressin- and oxytocin-related processes. Connections with the locus coeruleus refer to noradrenergic sound–heart regulation. Physiological mechanisms interacting with individual musical experiences require the synopsis of evidence-based findings, neuroendocrinological explanations, and differential psychological profiles for reliable treatment planning.