Abstract
Music and music therapy interventions with patients with coronary heart disease mainly focus on receptive approaches such as music listening with or without an attendant; music listening with guided relaxation, and guided imagery with music. In music therapy the therapeutic relationship is an important ground for change and improvement of health. Music is selected and compiled for its sedative potential and according to the patients’ needs for anxiety and stress reduction. The music interventions may support, comfort, divert the attention from discomfort and anxiety, and provide a space for the patients to process anxiety and other emotions in relation to their illness and treatment. Music and music therapy interventions are clinically relevant as complementary treatment in hospital and rehabilitation settings and in outpatient treatment.
