Virtual Reality as a Potential Tool for Stress Relief in Cardiac Patients

Living with cardiovascular disease can significantly impact emotional well-being, often leading to heightened stress levels that may negatively affect heart health. Recognizing the need for safe and innovative approaches to emotional management, recent research from UCLA Health explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as a promising intervention.

In a pilot study involving 20 patients from UCLA's cardiology clinic—comprising individuals with or at risk for cardiovascular disease—participants experienced a 30-minute VR relaxation session. The immersive experience featured vibrant visuals paired with calming audio intended to promote relaxation. Many of these individuals had elevated stress, with nearly half having a history of anxiety or depression, conditions frequently associated with coronary artery disease or recovery from cardiac events.

Post-session reports indicated that participants felt a significant reduction in stress, describing sensations of feeling "distant" from their worries or experiencing a state of floating that fostered calmness. Physiological measures supported these subjective reports, showing reduced anxiety scores, decreased heart rates, and increased vagal tone—a marker implying enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activity that promotes relaxation.

According to lead researcher Dr. Tamara Horwich, a UCLA cardiologist, these findings demonstrate the potential of immersive technologies to effectively lower stress levels in cardiac patients. She emphasized that VR provides a safe, low-risk tool that can support emotional health and overall heart recovery. Moreover, she highlighted that stress is a significant, yet often under-managed, risk factor in cardiovascular health, and integrating behavioral tools like VR could complement traditional treatments.

This research, published in JMIR Cardio, underscores the importance of addressing emotional stress in cardiac care. It suggests that VR may serve as a valuable addition to comprehensive heart disease management, helping patients feel calmer and more connected to their healing process.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-virtual-reality-easing-stress-cardiac.html