The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on blood pressure, electrocardiogram changes, and anxiety in acute myocardial infarction patients: A clinical, multi-centered, assessor-blinded trial design

Background: This study aimed to determine the effect of lemon (Limon Citrus) inhalation aromatherapy on Blood Pressure (BP), electrocardiogram changes, and anxiety in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Methods: In this clinical trial, 100 AMI patients were assigned to intervention (received lemon inhalation aromatherapy) and control (received paraffin) groups. Aromatherapy was conducted for three consecutive days. BP, electrocardiogram changes, and anxiety were assessed. Results: A significant difference was observed between the two groups concerning systolic BP and percentage of ST-segment and T wave changes on the 3rd and 4th days after the intervention. A significant difference was also found between the two groups concerning heart rate and anxiety on the 4th day after the intervention. Conclusion: As lemon inhalation aromatherapy in AMI reduced systolic BP, anxiety, and percentage of ST-segment and T wave changes and regulated heart rate, using this kind of aromatherapy is suggested in coronary care units.