Musicians and researchers: two creative professions striving to improve heart health through music

Abstract

Musicians and researchers are creative professions that share many similarities. They both aim to bring joy and progress to humanity. In recent decades, it has been shown that music has the ability to alleviate pain, improve heart function, reduce anxiety, and stimulate the release of endogenous opioids in the brain. This has led to the emergence of music therapy as a popular therapeutic option for supporting and regulating cardiovascular health, emotional, cognitive functions, and mental wellbeing. Similarly, translational researchers and clinicians strive to generate new medical knowledge and effective treatments for various diseases. In their daily work, both musicians and scientists engage in the development of new ideas, concepts, and visions. They explore and experiment to find the best way to create something novel. Furthermore, driven by discovery, curiosity, and a deep longing, they strive to make a significant impact on heart health. In today's world, artificial intelligence technology plays an increasingly important role in achieving these goals in both fields. Success is measured by publications in esteemed journals or achieving high rankings on music charts. This review explores the similarities between researchers and musicians and how music therapy can aid in the treatment of specific symptoms related to heart function.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; blood pressure; emotion; heart-brain connection; music.

Figure 1

Proposed biological effects and consequences resulting from listening to the music of Mozart. Clinical studies have shown that melodies of Mozart have an impact on the synthesis and release of endorphins and hormones, while also stimulating immune cell function. The resulting consequences are numerous, particularly affecting the cardiovascular system and specific brain regions.

Figure 2

Steps for setting up a song or research paper. There are several necessary steps involved in the process of creating a song or research project. For a musician, these steps include arranging the song, tuning band members, finalizing the composition, convincing a music company to release the song, and promoting it through concerts. Similarly, for a scientist, the steps involve planning experiments, defining a working hypothesis, inspiring team members, conducting experiments, and summarizing findings in a paper. This paper is then printed by a suitable publisher and promoted at national and scientific meetings.

Figure 3

Music in the treatment of human disease. Music and music-directed therapies have been successful in treating a wide range of physical and mental ailments. Beneficial effects on various organs, including the liver, lungs, skin, heart, kidneys, and muscles have been reported.

Figure 4

Graphical abstract. Musicians and researchers play vital roles in promoting human health. The interconnectedness of these two professions emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in enhancing well-being and advancing health initiatives through creating suitable music (musicians) and conducting research or music therapy (researchers/clinicians).