By Ragavendra R. Baliga, European Heart Journal || Singing is good for cardiovascular health! Other studies have also shown that singing can improve both heart and lung function. It has the potential to strengthen chest-wall muscles as well as improve heart function and heart rate variability.
Approximately one-third of global mortality is attributed to cardiovascular causes, encompassing a spectrum of physical and mental health challenges.1 The functioning of the cardiopulmonary system plays a pivotal role in determining the prognosis of individuals’ post-myocardial infarction and in cases of heart failure. Respiration, a fundamental bodily function, extends its influence over numerous facets of human well-being, encompassing cardiac performance, lung function, communication, and emotional equilibrium. Furthermore, the state of one’s mental health can significantly impact the overall prognosis of cardiovascular disease.2
Therapeutic potential of singing
Music therapy, particularly singing, is a remarkable avenue for promoting heart health. The intrinsic understanding that singing uplifts the mind, body, and soul has been embedded in our collective consciousness. Singing within the confines of temples and churches elevates one’s spirits. It acts as a conduit for self-actualization and self-expression, offering a cathartic release for pent-up emotional tensions.3 While the art of singing has been appreciated for centuries, the scientific exploration of singing and its effects on cardiovascular health remains ripe for comprehensive clinical investigation.
Benefits and mechanisms of singing on cardiovascular health
The benefits of singing are multifold. Singing is a physically engaging and mentally invigorating activity. It demands a meticulous approach to voice production, entailing controlled respiration. In essence, it involves maintaining correct posture, executing a brief yet deep inhalation while engaging the diaphragm and sustaining a prolonged exhalation. Singing necessitates a greater and more sustained expiratory pressure than regular speech to maintain a consistent vocal volume. This active engagement of the respiratory system not only generates the requisite air pressure for vocal fold function but also regulates vocal intensity. The musical components of melody and dynamics can be expertly harnessed to influence the timing and strength of contractions in the respiratory muscles. Empirical evidence confirms that singing enhances respiratory function across diverse target groups, including individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and respiratory ailments such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Given the close interplay between cardiac output and pulmonary function, it is likely that singing also augments heart function. Singing triggers acute physiological responses akin to moderate-intensity physical activity, with elevated levels of oxygen consumption, heart rate, and volume per breath, surpassing those observed during a leisurely walk.4 Minute ventilation significantly increases during singing, further underscoring its potential benefits. For individuals who face physical limitations or debility that hinder their ability to engage in traditional forms of exercise, such as walking, singing can indeed present a valuable alternative.
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Read more of this medical opinion here, along with descriptive figure drawings:
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad819/7644698
European Heart Journal, ehad819, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad819
Published: 12 April 2024
Sing For a Long and Healthy Life? Singing is Good For Your Cardiovascular Health!
