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Randomized controlled trial of relaxation music to reduce heart rate in patients undergoing cardiac CT
Ming Yen Ng1,2, Yasser Karimzad3, Ravi J Menezes3
1Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. myng2@hku.hk.
Insights
Relaxation music did not lower heart rate or medication use during cardiac CT scans. While it didn't improve physiological measures, patients enjoyed the music, enhancing their overall experience during CT procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Medical Music Therapy
Background:
- Heart rate control is crucial for optimal cardiac CT image quality.
- Beta-blockers like metoprolol are often used to manage heart rate.
- Patient anxiety can influence heart rate and experience during CT procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of relaxation music in reducing heart rate during cardiac CT.
- To determine if music decreases the need for intravenous metoprolol.
- To evaluate the impact of music on image quality and patient anxiety.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing standard care with relaxation music during cardiac CT (CCTA, PVCT, CCS).
- Key metrics included heart rate, radiation dose, image quality, and metoprolol dose.
- Patient-reported anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in heart rate, radiation dose, image quality, or metoprolol dose between groups.
- 86% of patients enjoyed the music, with 90% preferring it for future scans.
- Patients exhibited low baseline anxiety levels, suggesting limited benefit from anxiolytics for heart rate control.
Conclusions:
- Relaxation music does not reduce heart rate or beta-blocker requirements in cardiac CT.
- Music does not negatively impact cardiac CT image quality.
- While not physiologically beneficial for heart rate, music significantly improves patient experience and satisfaction during cardiac CT examinations.
Objectives:
To evaluate the heart rate lowering effect of relaxation music in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA), pulmonary vein CT (PVCT) and coronary calcium score CT (CCS).
Methods:
Patients were randomised to a control group (i.e. standard of care protocol) or to a relaxation music group (ie. standard of care protocol with music). The groups were compared for heart rate, radiation dose, image quality and dose of IV metoprolol. Both groups completed State-Trait Anxiety Inventory anxiety questionnaires to assess patient experience.
Results:
One hundred and ninety-seven patients were recruited (61.9 % males); mean age 56y (19-86 y); 127 CCTA, 17 PVCT, 53 CCS. No significant difference in heart rate, radiation dose, image quality, metoprolol dose and anxiety scores. 86 % of patients enjoyed the music. 90 % of patients in the music group expressed a strong preference to have music for future examinations. The patient cohort demonstrated low anxiety levels prior to CT.
Conclusion:
Relaxation music in CCTA, PVCT and CCS does not reduce heart rate or IV metoprolol use. Patients showed low levels of anxiety indicating that anxiolytics may not have a significant role in lowering heart rate. Music can be used in cardiac CT to improve patient experience.
Key Points:
• Relaxation music does not reduce heart rate in cardiac CT • Relaxation music does not reduce beta-blocker use in cardiac CT • Relaxation music has no effect on cardiac CT image quality • Low levels of anxiety are present in patients prior to cardiac CT • Patients enjoyed the relaxation music and this results in improved patient experience.
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