Stress reduction through music in patients undergoing cerebral angiography

We studied the influence of music on stress reaction of patients during cer ebral angiography. We randomised 30 patients to a music or a control group. We measured stress hormones, blood pressure, heart rate and psychological parameters. Patients examined without music showed rising levels of cortiso l in plasma, indicating high stress levels, while cortisol in patients exam ined with music remained stable. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower Listening to music. Patients with a high level of fear did appear to benefit particularly from the music.