The primary cause of death in the US is heart disease. Now, experts at the University of Missouri in Kansas City want to know the extent to which music therapy can help in the prevention of this pervasive set of disorders that affect all population groups alike.

Research already supports the use of music to modulate heart rate and blood pressure, to enhance exercise programs, and to relieve stress symptoms, but University of Missouri researchers are seeking a more comprehensive collaboration with colleagues in the social sciences to measure the success rate of music therapy in heart disease intervention.

In one recent study patients rehabilitating in a large city hospital completed a survey on which they rated their use of music for exercise, relaxation, and enjoyment. The patients, mostly men older than 60, used music to relieve stress but not as a part of an exercise regimen. Nevertheless, the study’s overall results suggest that cardiac programs should continue to develop music therapy as part of their whole body approach to rehabilitation.

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