Anxiety reduction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization following massage and guided imagery

• Patients were offered massage and/or guided imagery prior to cardiac catheterization.
• The interventions resulted in significant reductions in self-reported anxiety.
• Patients receiving intervention had lower diastolic BP and HR vs. a comparison group.
• Holistic approaches can be incorporated along with conventional medical practices.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage with or without guided imagery in reducing anxiety prior to cardiac catheterization.MethodA total of 55 inpatients and outpatients received massage, guided imagery, or massage with guided imagery prior to cardiac catheterization. Self-reported anxiety levels and blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated in participants and a matched comparison group.ResultsMassage with and without guided imagery resulted in significant reductions in self-reported anxiety (p < 0.0001). Patients receiving intervention had lower diastolic BP and HR vs. the comparison group (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05).ConclusionsMassage with or without guided imagery immediately reduced self-reported anxiety. This pilot study has certain limitations: a non-randomized, convenience sample and a matched control group that was created retrospectively. However, the study indicates a benefit to providing massage or massage with guided imagery prior to anxiety-inducing medical procedures such as cardiac catheterization.