Patients presenting to emergency departments with significantly elevated blood pressure may experience faster reductions in blood pressure when treated with virtual reality (VR) headsets combined with classical music, according to a recent study conducted in Turkey. The trial involved 130 patients diagnosed with hypertensive urgency—a condition marked by very high blood pressure without signs of organ damage—who were receiving standard medication.
The study, conducted at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, randomly assigned half of the participants to wear VR headsets that displayed tranquil natural scenes such as rivers and trees, accompanied by a playlist of classical compositions by Bach, Mozart, Debussy, Vivaldi, and Tchaikovsky. All patients continued their prescribed blood pressure medication.
Researchers measured blood pressure and anxiety at intervals over two hours. Results showed that patients using VR and music experienced a more rapid decrease in blood pressure within the first 15 minutes compared to those receiving medication alone. Specifically, the VR group’s blood pressure fell by approximately 4 to 5 mmHg more during this early period. Additionally, the VR group entered the study with higher levels of anxiety but achieved similar anxiety reduction by the end, suggesting the intervention had a significant calming effect.
Dr. Safa Donmez, associate professor of emergency medicine and lead researcher, highlighted the role of anxiety in worsening blood pressure readings. He explained that emotional stress prompts the body to release hormones that constrict blood vessels, elevating pressure. The noisy, bright, and uncertain environment of emergency departments often exacerbates this stress. “If a non-drug intervention can accelerate blood pressure stabilization even modestly, it has practical value,” Dr. Donmez said.
However, the benefits of the VR and classical music intervention appeared to be temporary, with differences between groups diminishing after about an hour. The researchers emphasized that this approach supports early blood pressure control but is not intended to replace medication or provide long-term management.
Dr. Kadir Yenal, an emergency medicine specialist involved in the study, noted that the greater anxiety reduction in the VR group was notable given their initially higher anxiety levels. The use of VR to enhance patient comfort during emergency care could have implications for both clinical outcomes and healthcare resource efficiency.
While the trial is preliminary, these findings contribute to a broader body of research suggesting that specific types of calming music may have cardiovascular benefits. Earlier studies from other institutions have identified certain classical pieces with rhythmic patterns associated with lowered blood pressure and heart rate. However, the researchers caution that such interventions are complementary rather than substitutes for standard medical treatment in hypertensive emergencies.
The study was presented at the recent European Emergency Medicine Congress in Paris, where the team discussed the potential for integrating non-pharmacological therapies such as virtual reality and music to improve patient experiences and outcomes in emergency settings.