Listening to Verdi, Beethoven and Puccini could help reduce blood pressure and heart rate

Cardiologists explored the impact of different types of music on human heart. Calming classical music was found to have the greatest impact on reducing blood pressure. By contrast, rock and pop music have been found to increase blood pressure.
Researchers found that recordings by Verdi, Beethoven and Puccini can lower the blood pressure.

A study by Oxford University analyzed “Va Pensiero” by Giuseppe Verdi, “Nessun Dorma” by Giacomo Puccini and Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” adagio.
Apparently, musical compositions which match the rhythm of the heart beat could reduce the heart rate. Listening to music with a repeated 10-second rhythm could drop the blood pressure.
Study author Professor Dr. Peter Sleight said: “Music is already being used commercially as a calming therapy but this has happened independent of controlled studies into its effectiveness. Our research has provided improved understanding as to how music, particularly certain rhythms, can affect your heart and blood vessels. But further robust studies are needed, which could reduce scepticism of the real therapeutic role of music.”
Oxford University study suggests that classical music effects are universal, not individual. According to a different study conducted by scientists from the University of Michigan, Beethoven composed some of his masterpieces by following his arrhythmia, a condition that translates through irregular heart beat, in predictable patterns. Several parts of music followed his heart condition rhythm. It can’t be proven, but it is believed that composers knew about about these calming techniques inserted into their music.
Music therapy has been previously shown to have the potential to reduce the levels of stress. Previous research has suggested that music could improve the recovery of patients suffering from heart disease, because of its calming effect, but further evidence is needed before cardiologist could prescribe music as a part of heart disease treatment.
Sources: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11660663/classical-music-blood-pressure-heart-disease.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2901092/Beethovens-music-really-heartfelt-Researchers-say-composed-greatest-masterpieces-time-following-irregular-heartbeat.html