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The heart, as we all know is a muscle. The myocardium is the muscular tissue of the heart and is particularly susceptible to external influences such as drugs, including caffeine and alcohol. Many studies have been conducted to determine how caffeine, which is present in coffee and tea, affects the heart. 

While most energy drinks contain caffeine, they also contain an ingredient known as taurine which is a naturally occurring sulfonic acid. There is also evidence

 that taurine is beneficial for regulating blood pressure and possibly, alleviating other cardiovascular ailments (in persons suffering essential hypertension, taurine supplementation resulted in measurable decreases in blood pressure).

According to research presented today at the ESC Congress by Dr. Matteo Cameli from University of Siena, " the energy drink market has exploded, with more people than ever before turning to these products as quick 'pick me ups', whether to stay awake during all night study vigils or gain the edge in sport," said Dr. Cameli.

"With energy drinks containing both caffeine and taurine concerns have been raised of adverse effects on the heart. While caffeine increases blood pressure, studies suggest that taurine may stimulate the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum."

The sarcoplasmic reticulum releases calcium ions during muscle contraction and absorb them during relaxation.

For the study 35 healthy subjects (mean age 25 years), drank a body surface area indexed amount of an energy drink (168 ml/m2) containing caffeine and taurine.

Assessments of heart rate, blood pressure, left ventricular function and right ventricular function were undertaken at baseline and one hour after consumption.

Dr. Cameli's data confirms that the test subject's myocardial (heart tissue) performance was better after the consumption of an energy drink.

Dr. Cameli stated that "Taken together these results show that energy drinks enhance contractions of both the left and right ventricles, thereby delivering a positive effect on myocardial function," said Dr. Cameli. "This could be explained by the inotropic effect of taurine that, as previously demonstrated, stimulates the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum."

Besides giving you wings, Red Bull may also keep you heart healthy.