The Impact of Peppermint Oil Aromatherapy on Hemodynamic Parameters, Anxiety, and Stress in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a critical condition with diverse clinical presentations. Aromatherapy, particularly with peppermint essential oil, has been explored for its potential to alleviate patient symptoms. Objective This study examines the effects of peppermint essential oil aromatherapy on anxiety, stress, and hemodynamic parameters in patients with ACS. Methods This randomized, double-blind clinical trial involved ACS patients from Qom University hospitals, recruited between July 2023 and January 2024. The intervention group received 0.2 mL of peppermint essential oil on an eye pad, while the control group received normal saline. Both groups underwent 20-minute sessions in a controlled environment, with data on demographics, stress, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters collected. Results Peppermint oil significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (from 139.77 ± 10.83 to 126.36 ± 7.49 mmHg, P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, pain scores, anxiety (from 24.64 ± 5.15 to 19.55 ± 3.10, P < 0.001), and stress levels (from 25.00 ± 5.14 to 17.18 ± 4.42, P < 0.001) compared to the placebo group. Conclusion Peppermint essential oil aromatherapy significantly improves cardiac parameters and reduces anxiety and stress in ACS patients. These findings suggest that incorporating aromatherapy into clinical practice may enhance patient well-being and provide a complementary approach to managing the challenges associated with ACS.