The Surprising Effects of Music on Blood Pressure

Music is more than background noise it has measurable effects on your body, including your blood pressure. Research shows that the tempo, volume, and style of music can either raise or lower blood pressure by influencing the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing.

How Music and Blood Pressure Are Linked

Music has a strong impact on mood, and mood directly affects heart function and blood pressure. The tempo of music measured in beats per minute (BPM) is particularly influential:

• Fast-tempo music (120+ BPM): Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and temporarily increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

• Slow-tempo music (below 60 BPM): Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body through the vagus nerve, lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.

Other Factors That Influence the Effect

Beyond tempo, several elements of music listening can alter blood pressure responses:

• Style and genre: High-energy genres like pop, rock, or electronic music are more likely to raise blood pressure, while classical, ambient jazz, or slow instrumental tracks often reduce it.

• Volume: Very loud music can spike blood pressure, while soft music has the opposite effect. Moderate volume typically has little effect.

• Personal preference: How you feel about the music matters. A 2015 study found that people unfamiliar with atonal classical music experienced an increase in blood pressure and slower heart rates a reaction tied to discomfort.

• Listening duration: Longer listening sessions enhance benefits. One study found that 30 minutes of daily relaxing music over four weeks lowered systolic blood pressure by around 7%.

How Much Can It Help?

The immediate impact of music on blood pressure is usually modest and temporary, often fading within minutes. However, when used consistently as part of a lifestyle plan, music therapy can provide meaningful benefits.

For example, a study combining music therapy with the DASH diet (a heart-healthy eating plan) found that participants reduced systolic blood pressure by nearly 9 mmHg compared to less than 1 mmHg with diet alone.

Who Responds Best

Not everyone reacts the same way to music. Interestingly, studies suggest:

• People with normal blood pressure show stronger reactions to both fast and slow music.

• People with hypertension experience smaller changes, but can still benefit from music as part of a broader treatment plan including diet, exercise, weight control, and medication.

• Those with pre-hypertension may benefit most, as music therapy combined with lifestyle changes could help delay or even prevent the onset of hypertension.

The Bottom Line

Music isn’t a substitute for medical treatment, but it can be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress management both important for cardiovascular health. Slow, soft music is most likely to lower blood pressure, especially when paired with other healthy habits like exercise and balanced nutrition.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more evidence-based wellness insights.