WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Songs that make our hearts soar can make them stronger too, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.

They found that when people listened to their favorite music, their blood vessels dilated in much the same way as when laughing, or taking blood medications.

"We have a pretty impressive effect," said Dr. Michael Miller, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

"Blood vessel diameter improved," he said in a telephone interview. "The vessel opened up pretty significantly. You can see the vessels opening up with other activities such as exercise." A similar effect is seen with drugs such as statins and ACE inhibitors.

When blood vessels open more, blood flows more smoothly and is less likely to form the blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. Elastic vessels also resist the hardening activity of atherosclerosis.
"We are not saying to stop your statins or not to exercise but to add this to an overall program of heart health," said Miller, who presented his findings to a meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans

Miller's team tested 10 healthy, non-smoking men and women, who were told to bring their favorite music.

They spent half an hour listening to the recordings and half an hour listening to music they said made them feel anxious while the researchers did ultrasound tests designed to show blood vessel function.

Compared to their normal baseline measurements, blood vessel diameter increased 26 percent on average when the volunteers heard their joyful music. Listening to music they disliked -- in most cases in this group heavy metal -- narrowed blood vessels by six percent, Miller said.

Miller said he came up with the idea after discovering the laughter caused blood to literally flow more smoothly.

"I asked myself what other things make us feel real good, besides calories from dark chocolate of course. Music came to mind. ... It makes me feel real good," he said.

Most of the volunteers chose country music but Miller said the style is not so important as what pleases each individual.

(Editing by Alan Elsner and Will Dunham)

https://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081111/sc_nm/us_heart_music;_ylt=AhQgcSlkPCr8eg1D3GC7Uh2s0NUE

Take a music break, read some funnies, or watch something that'll make ya laugh.

Healthy/happy/heart to you

ana

Broken Heart Music
Scripture Guitar Spirit Healing Songs

A gentle heart freely given,
Pierced by the harsh return.
Without sacrifice there is no gain.
The greatest love knows the greatest pain.
In forgiveness lies the hidden jewel.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and a contrite heart,
O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:17

And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.

CARE-GIVING
THROUGH MUSIC
www.bonnieleigh.com/html/practioner.html


Healing Music with Bonnie Leigh, C.M.P.
Certified Music Practitioner
~Music and caring from the heart~
Music and patient
Give the Gift of Healing Music

Bonnie Leigh, a Certified Music Pracitioner, brings pleasant and appropriate live music to the bedside of the ill and dying patient using the small lap harp
or the mountain dulcimer.

MUSIC CAN..............

* Equalize and slow down brain waves
* Affect respiration
* Affect heartbeat, pulse and respiration
* Reduce muscle tension and improve body movement
* Affect body temperature
* Increase endorphin levels
* Regulate stress-related hormones
* Boost the immune system
* Stimulate digestion
* Stimulate a feeling of well-being
* Ease the delivery process of a birthing mother
* Provide companionship
* Provide a way to release emotions
* Facilitate the transition process of the dying
* Provide a segue for grieving
* Reduce stress, relieve anxiety

Healing is the restoration, realization and/or maintenance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wholeness. Research indicates that music is useful in a healing environment.

Healing Music not only benefits the patient but can help family and friends deal with stress, anxiety, anger and the grieving process.

"BOOKLET"

"From My Heart to Yours" - by Bonnie Leigh, CMP. Thoughts and experiences of a Music Practitioner Intern. A day by day account of preparing for, being nervous, and the actual patient visits. Booklet $10.00 plus $2. Shipping and Handling. Send a check to: Bonnie Leigh, CMP, PO Box 4160, Brick, NJ 08723
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