The Healing Impact of Music Therapy in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Music therapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive intervention for critically ill cardiac patients, demonstrating significant benefits in physiological stability. Recent research presented at ACC Latin America 2025 highlights how tailored musical interventions can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease patient–ventilator asynchronies in the cardiac ICU setting.

Music therapy involves the use of music elements to alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being. Certified music therapists utilize this approach to support the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health of patients, making it a valuable complement to traditional medical treatments.

In a study conducted between July and September 2024, 24 alert adult patients admitted to the cardiac ICU participated in the research. The participants were divided into two groups: one received 45-minute sessions of music at 15 decibels daily for five days, while the control group received standard care. The findings revealed that those in the music therapy group experienced a noteworthy reduction in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with decreased ventilator asynchronies. These physiological improvements suggest that music therapy can mitigate stress responses and improve patient comfort.

Dr. Ilani Paola Santoyo Pérez from the University of Guanajuato emphasized that music therapy is recognized globally as a standard of care for critically ill patients, as outlined by the Society of Critical Care Medicine. She advocates for its incorporation into clinical practice given its safety, low cost, and non-invasive nature.

Incorporating music therapy into patient care not only alleviates physiological distress but also enhances patient-centered care, promoting holistic recovery. As more healthcare providers recognize its value, music therapy is poised to become a routine element in intensive care strategies to improve both patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-power-music-therapy-cardiac-icu.html