Does sound volume affect heart rate?

Studies have shown that loud music makes the heart rate increase, and lower volume music can lead to lowered heart rates, according to ABC News. Music volume has also been shown to affect blood pressure.

The research used electrocardiograms and skin monitors to measure the effect of music on human physiology. It showed that an upsurge in the volume of music had exciting effects, while a decline in the volume had relaxing effects. ABC News also states that music is widely used by health practitioners to induce certain behaviors in patients. Soft music is usually played to soothe nerves, in the process decreasing the patients' heart rates and blood pressure.