[The stress electrocardiogram in the evaluation of angina pectoris]

The exercise tolerance test (ETT) is the ancillary test of choice for the evaluation of the patient with ischaemic heart disease. When faced with complaints suggestive of angina pectoris, ETT is useful in confirming or excluding such a diagnosis, frequently reproducing the complaints while recording the tell-tale electrocardiographic signs of ischaemia--ST segment deviation. Additionally, the ETT provides information on the severity of the disease and is also valuable for the risk stratification of future coronary events. This information as a whole can be used both in the diagnosis and in the management of the patient with coronary artery disease.