Effect of lavender aromatherapy on hemodynamic indices among patients with acute coronary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

Patients who are hospitalized in coronary care unit are at risk for hemodynamic instability secondary to anxiety and stress. Aromatherapy may have positive effects on hemodynamic status and can help reduce blood pressure and heart rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lavender aromatherapy on hemodynamic indices among patients with acute coronary syndrome. This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients who had been hospitalized in the coronary care unit of Namazi hospital، Shiraz، Iran، in 2013. A sample of 110 patients with acute coronary syndrome was recruited. Patients were randomly allocated to either the experimental or the placebo groups. Patients in the experimental and placebo groups were respectively treated with lavender essence and almond oil drop aromas. Participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as heart rate were measured seven times—before، during، and after the study intervention. For analyzing the data، statistical tests such as Chi-square، t test، and repeated measures analysis of variance were performed by using the SPSS16. There was a downward trend of systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate changes across the seven measurement time-points in both groups. However، there was no significant difference between the study groups regarding systolic blood pressure (P value = 0. 586)، diastolic blood pressure (P value = 0. 557) and heart rate (P value = 0. 846). Given its positive effects on hemodynamic indices، aromatherapy can be used as an effective alternative therapy.