The Effect of Music Therapy on Anxiety and Vital Signs of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Study in the Cardiac Care Unit of Vali-Asr Hospital, Eghlid, Iran

Acute coronary syndrome is an emergency situation, characterized by a sudden decrease of blood flow to the heart and chest pain during a heart attack or unstable angina. High levels of anxiety increases mortality risk up to three times. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of music therapy on anxiety level and vital signs of patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted in the coronary care unit of Vali- Asr hospital, in Eghlid city. This clinical trial was conducted on 70 acute coronary syndrome patients who were eligible for the study during 2011-2012. Anxiety level was measured by the standard Spielberger Questionnaire and vital signs of patients were recorded before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed through SPSS18 and using mean, percentage, standard deviation, independent and paired t- test. Music had no effect on vital signs but significantly reduced anxiety level (P=0.049). Anxiety was significantly higher in females, but showed no significant relationship with age and education. There was no significant relationship between age, sex and education with respiratory rate, heart rate and systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Music as an easy and low cost intervention without any complication can be used to reduce anxiety in patients in Coronary Care Units.