Virtual Reality Effectively Reduces Anxiety During Interventional Cardiac Procedures

Patients undergoing coronary angiography, a common cardiac diagnostic procedure, frequently experience significant anxiety both before and during the process. Traditionally, anti-anxiety medications are administered to help manage this stress. However, recent research has explored alternative methods to alleviate patient anxiety, with virtual reality (VR) emerging as a promising solution.

A study presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Middle East 2025 Conference, in collaboration with the 16th Emirates Cardiac Society Conference, evaluated the impact of VR on anxiety levels and vital signs during coronary angiography. The analysis incorporated data from five randomized controlled trials involving 451 patients, comparing the effects of VR interventions to standard care.

VR scenarios used in the study often included immersive nature scenes like waterfalls, mountains, and valleys, crafted to induce relaxation. The results indicated that VR not only significantly reduced patient anxiety but also contributed to more stable vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, during the procedure. Interestingly, while VR administered prior to the procedure helped decrease anxiety, it did not prove effective when used as a pre-procedure intervention.

Yousef Radwan Alnomani, a clinical researcher from Benha University and the study's lead author, highlighted that immersing patients in a 3D environment offers superior relaxation compared to simply watching similar videos on a flat screen. This immersive experience helps in better stress reduction, potentially improving overall procedural outcomes.

Despite promising findings, the study's retrospective nature and limited sample size underscore the need for larger, randomized controlled trials to confirm VR's efficacy and explore its broader applications in cardiovascular care. As VR technology advances, it holds potential as a non-pharmacological tool to enhance patient comfort and safety during various medical procedures.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-virtual-reality-anxiety-patients-interventional.html