March 2004

Relaxation CD aims at heart patients

The healing qualities of relaxation training and music are being used to improve the health of cardiac patients.

Caulfield General Medical Centre’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit has developed a relaxation CD, following patient demand.

Relaxation training sessions have been a part of the hospital’s stress management program for several years and have been found to be a useful intervention.

CGMC social worker Ann Thornton conducts the relaxation sessions.

‘Having heart problems or being ill can be very stressful and we have found music therapy really works wonders in improving people’s mental state, which then impacts positively on their physical health,’ Ms Thornton said.

Her relaxation sessions involve a progressive muscle relaxation technique which employs tensing and relaxing of muscle groups throughout the body.

Ms Thornton has recorded the relaxation script, which is backed by original music by composer Robyn Payne.

CGMC’s Cardiac Unit has been given the right to use the music, Drifting Seas, free of charge.

‘We have trialled the CD and comments from our patients have been very positive,’ Ms Thornton said.

Cardiologist and stress researcher Professor Murray Esler of the Baker Medical Research Institute endorsed the use of relaxation and music as therapy for the heart.

‘A strong case can be made that adverse psychological factors can cause heart disease,’ Professor Esler said.

‘Depressive illness is both a proven cause of heart attacks and a contributor to poor medical outcome in those suffering a heart attack.

‘Mental stress can also cause heart attacks.

‘This has been most clearly shown in the case of sudden, severe mental stress acting as an immediate ‘trigger’ for the cardiac event.

‘Additionally, there is persuasive evidence that ongoing, long-term life stress, in the workplace and elsewhere, can be a cause of high blood pressure and heart attacks.

‘Reducing levels of mental tension by programmed relaxation is one of several very helpful strategies that can be targeted at mental stress responses, aiming to blunt the stress response and lower heart risk,’ Professor Esler said.

• The 25-minute CD is available for $20 plus packaging and handling costs. For more details contact the CGMC Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit on 9276 6260 between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.