Heavy metal music may have a negative effect on the heart, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found blood vessels constricted by an average of six per cent when a study group listened to stressful music.

Participants described heavy metal as the music that made them anxious, researchers revealed.

While listening to other music after a two week deprivation period, blood vessels widened by an average of 26 per cent, having a positive effect on the heart.

Principal investigator Michael Miller said the university had previously found laughter was good for the heart.

"So, a logical question was whether other emotions, such as those evoked by music, have a similar effect," he said.

Enjoyable music would depend on how an individual was "wired" Mr Miller explained, adding country music would be most likely to have a positive effect for him.

Music has also been used to develop mathematical and spatial awareness in school aged children, according to the National Institutes of Health.