Effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with the acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 older women with acute coronary syndrome. The participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups (n = 45). The intervention group received reflexology with lavender essential oil, but the control group only received routine care. Physiologic parameters, the levels of anxiety and depression in the hospital were evaluated using a checklist and the Hospital's Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively, before and immediately after the intervention. Results Significant differences in the levels of anxiety and depression were reported between the groups after the intervention. The analysis of physiological parameters revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < .05) in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate. However, no significant difference was observed in the respiratory rate. Conclusions Aromatherapy massage can be considered by clinical nurses an efficient therapy for alleviating psychological and physiological responses among older women suffering from acute coronary syndrome. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about the topic? Depression and anxiety in cardiac care units are often not managed adequately. Older adults with acute coronary syndrome may suffer from negative emotions more than other age groups. What this paper adds? This study showed the positive effect of aromatherapy massage on alleviating anxiety and depression among older women with acute coronary syndrome. Aromatherapy massage can be considered a complementary therapy and used along with routine interventions for relieving psychological and physiological problems among older women hospitalized in cardiac care units. The implications of this paper: This randomized controlled prospective study provides evidence to support the use of aromatherapy massage with this patient group. Aromatherapy massage can be integrated into older patient care for alleviating psychological and physiological responses in women patients who are suffering from acute coronary syndrome.