Twenty-five male patients, aged 41 to 57, with typical clinical signs of angina of effort and positive bicycle ergometric tests, were investigated to compare diagnostic possibilities of bicycle ergometry, manual dynamometry and the combination of the latter with increased venous return achieved by means of changed position of the body in coronary patients. The analysis of ECG changes showed ST displacement by more than 1 mm in 100% of cases with bicycle ergometry (in keeping with the criteria of patient selection), in 24% with manual dynamometry, and in 76% with increased venous return as part of the combination. Considering disorders of cardiac rhythm as a sign of coronary disease, static load tests were positive in 32% of cases, and the same tests combined with increased venous return gave positive results in 88%. The simplicity of the test makes it acceptable for out-patient use.