Playing music for patients in intensive care units may help reduce heart rates and blood pressure, according to researchers from the American College of Cardiology. These findings could lead to better health outcomes for millions of Americans living with conditions that increase the risk of serious illness and death.

High blood pressure is a major contributor to life-threatening events such as heart attacks and strokes. Similarly, an elevated or irregular heart rate has been linked to a higher risk of death, as well as liver, kidney, and heart failure. Currently, more than 6 million Americans are living with heart failure, and nearly half of all U.S. adults — about 120 million people — have high blood pressure.

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