A Little Magic Flute for Your BP

Next time your blood starts to boil, try popping in a compilation of Mozart’s best works. New research shows that listening to one of Mozart’s pieces can lower blood pressure by 5% in older adults.

If classical music isn’t your cup of tea, researchers also found that guided relaxation audio programs helped older adults reduce their blood pressure by 6.4%. The researchers theorized that the guided relaxation audios worked slightly better than Mozart’s sonatas because patients were more focused on enjoying the music rather than paying attention to relaxing their bodies.

The risk for developing high blood pressure increases as we age, and with it comes an increase risk for heart disease, stroke and death. Other risk factors for high blood pressure include smoking, having high cholesterol, being overweight, lacking exercise, and eating an unhealthy diet. The risk for heart conditions, however, is not dramatically lowered by these small reductions in blood pressure, the researchers emphasized. Classical music and/or guided relaxation audios can be used in addition to lifestyle changes, medications, diet, and stress management to help manage high blood pressure.

What's your favorite way to relax? Have you tried a classical music or guided relaxation CD? [CTV]