Music to Your Ears? Music for Your Heart, Too
By Maggie Fox, Reuters (Story about the study was picked up last night by ABC’s World News)
WASHINGTON
Songs that make our hearts soar can make them stronger too, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday. They found that when people listened to their favorite music, their blood vessels dilated in much the same way as when laughing or taking blood medications.
“We have a pretty impressive effect,” said Dr. Michael Miller, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.
“Blood vessel diameter improved,” he said in a telephone interview. “The vessel opened up pretty significantly. You can see the vessels opening up with other activities such as exercise.” A similar effect is seen with drugs such as statins and ACE inhibitors. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=6233406
I also love the way the study came about. Dr. Michael Miller, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center: “I asked myself what other things make us feel real good, besides calories from dark chocolate of course. Music came to mind. … It makes me feel real good,” he said.
Seems like common sense right? BTW, that comfort level with the creative process of innovation –– “I wonder what would happen if we tried…” –– is also one of the benefits of music study. Notice how many innovators, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs had musical training.