Aromatherapy in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Aromatherapy consists in the use of volatile aromatic compounds of plant essential oils. Application methods include massage, baths, and mainly inhalation. Lavender essential oil is considered the most effective treatment for emotional disorders, such as stress and anxiety, due to its anxiolytic and sedative agents, which are known to interfere with physiological cardiovascular reactions. Objectives: To investigate the effects of aromatherapy using lavender essential oil on hemodynamic responses and emotional aspects of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using Embase, Bireme, MEDLINE, PEDro, and Scopus electronic databases. Randomized clinical trials that evaluated hemodynamic and emotional outcomes using interventions with lavender essential oil in patients with cardiovascular diseases were selected. Of 539 studies initially identified, 51 were read in full and only 5 were eligible for inclusion. Results: Reductions were demonstrated in hemodynamic responses, such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate, as well as a decrease in anxiety, depression, stress, and fatigue compared with the control group. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Conclusion: Aromatherapy with the use of lavender essential oil provided benefits to hemodynamic parameters, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue levels, in patients with cardiovascular diseases. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2021; 34(1):74-80)