Music cuts heart disease risk?

A new US study has found that listening to one's favorite music can improve the blood vessel function and cardiovascular condition.

According to the study presented at the recent meeting of the American Heart Association, listening to favorite music dilates blood vessels in the same manner as positive emotions such as laughing, exercising or taking blood pressure medication.

The study reported that vascular dilatation prevents the formation of blood clots and atherosclerosis-causing plaques, and therefore reduces the risk of further cardiovascular events.

Findings revealed that while joyful music increases the blood vessel diameter by 26 percent, listening to music one dislikes narrows the blood vessels by 6 percent.

Scientists believe music also helps feel better by releasing certain neuro-chemicals known as endorphins in the brain.