The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of angina pectoris threshold heart rate (ATHR) in 300 patients aged 27-65 years, suffering from typical angina pectoris and being under follow-up at our institute for at least 5 years. A multistage symptom-limited ergometric test was performed in all examinees at least twice. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of all those whose ATHR was 120 beats and above; group 2 with ATHR below 120 beats/min. The mean age of group 1 was 47 +/- 5.8 years; the mean age of group 2 was 51 +/- 5.9 years. In group 1, in 47.3% the ATHR remained unchanged within the 5-year follow-up. Of the remaining 52.7% with changes (representing 100% with changes) 19.4% died from a cardiac cause within the period of follow-up. In group 2, 56.1% remained without ATHR changes within follow-up. In 43.9% with changes (representing 100% with changes), 48% died of a cardiac cause. Similar findings were obtained when the symptom-limited work load was taken into consideration. In group 1, which performed less than 50 W, 44.6% did not reveal any change during follow-up. In 55.4% (representing 100% with changes) 47.8% died of a cardiac cause. In group 2, patients who performed between 50 to 100 W, 52.5% were without changes. In 47.5% (representing 100% with changes) 21% died of a cardiac cause. In group 3, patients performed more than 100 W, 54.3% were without changes, while in 45.7% (representing 100% with changes) 19.2% died of a cardiac cause. Our findings clearly indicate the significance of the ATHR as a prognostic sign.