Effectiveness of aromatherapy inhalation on anxiety and haemodynamic variables for patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Anxiety can negatively affect patients' prognosis in cardiovascular disease. Aromatherapy helps reduce anxiety level in chronic diseases. However, the effectiveness of aromatherapy on anxiety and haemodynamic variables remains uncertain. Objective To evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of aromatherapy on anxiety and haemodynamic variables in patients with cardiovascular disease. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis. Review Methods The CINAHL COMPLETE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid and ProQuest databases were searched. The study was conducted in line with the Cochrane and PRISMA guideline. Examination for bias in the included studies was conducted with the Cochrane bias guideline. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated. Results Twelve studies published from 2012 to 2020 were included in the meta-analysis. Lavender aromatherapy inhalation was used the most for anxiety in patients. Aromatherapy had a highly significant effect on anxiety, systolic blood pressure and heart rate, a moderate effect on breathing rate and a non-significant effect on diastolic blood pressure. The Cochrane GRADE approach was used to assess the rating of the certainty of evidence. A high level of evidence was found for the effect of aromatherapy on heart rate, a moderate level for the effect of aromatherapy on anxiety and breathing rate and a low level for the effects of aromatherapy on blood pressure and lavender on anxiety. Conclusion It was found that aromatherapy reduced anxiety, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study provides information to researchers and health professionals about the effectiveness of aromatherapy on decreasing anxiety and haemodynamic variables in patients with cardiovascular disease. Also, the study can contribute to planning studies which are better designed, conducted and reported.