Abstract Growing evidence has established a close relationship between the consumption of green tea and protection against cardiovascular diseases. In contrast to the well-known effects of green tea on blood vessels, limited information is available regarding its myocardial effects. Experimental studies have suggested that the myocardial protective effect of green tea is associated with the antioxidant properties of scavenging reactive oxygen species, modulating redox-sensitive transcription factors (e.g. NF-κB and AP-1), reducing the activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-1 and the expression of Fas receptor, and increasing NO production. Recent data obtained from biochemical studies have shown that green tea polyphenols can bind to cardiac troponin C and exert their direct effects on myofilament Ca 2+ -sensitivity in isolated skinned cardiac myofibrils. Studies with rat models of myocardial infarction and ischaemia/reperfusion induced by a surgical ligation on left anterior descending coronary artery have provided in vivo evidence for green tea protecting against myocardial damage and enhancing cardiac contractility by modulating myofilament Ca 2+ sensitivity. In summary, green tea protects against myocardial damage, which may be considered as a promising medicine for cardiac health.