Randomized Controlled Trial of Relaxation Music to Reduce Heart Rate in Patients Undergoing Cardiac CT

Journal

European Radiology

Year

2016

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the heart rate lowering effect of relaxation music in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA), pulmonary vein CT (PVCT) and coronary calcium score CT (CCS).METHODS: Patients were randomised to a control group (i.e. standard of care protocol) or to a relaxation music group (ie. standard of care protocol with music). The groups were compared for heart rate, radiation dose, image quality and dose of IV metoprolol. Both groups completed State-Trait Anxiety Inventory anxiety questionnaires to assess patient experience.RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-seven patients were recruited (61.9 % males); mean age 56y (19-86 y); 127 CCTA, 17 PVCT, 53 CCS. No significant difference in heart rate, radiation dose, image quality, metoprolol dose and anxiety scores. 86 % of patients enjoyed the music. 90 % of patients in the music group expressed a strong preference to have music for future examinations. The patient cohort demonstrated low anxiety levels prior to CT.CONCLUSION: Relaxation music in CCTA, PVCT and CCS does not reduce heart rate or IV metoprolol use. Patients showed low levels of anxiety indicating that anxiolytics may not have a significant role in lowering heart rate. Music can be used in cardiac CT to improve patient experience.KEY POINTS: • Relaxation music does not reduce heart rate in cardiac CT • Relaxation music does not reduce beta-blocker use in cardiac CT • Relaxation music has no effect on cardiac CT image quality • Low levels of anxiety are present in patients prior to cardiac CT • Patients enjoyed the relaxation music and this results in improved patient experience.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Anxiety; Cardiovascular Diseases; Music and Relaxation; Noninvasive Procedures; Patient Experience; Receptive Music Methods; Relaxation

Indexed Terms

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists administration & dosage; Elderly; Elderly; Anxiety etiology; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Angiography psychology; Drug Administration Schedule; Heart Rate; methods; Metoprolol administration & dosage; physiology; Pulmonary Veins diagnostic imaging; Radiation Dosage; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tomography, X-Ray Computed psychology

Study Type

Randomized Controlled Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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