Exercise-induced S-T segment elevation in variant angina.

3 patients with co-existing effort angina and Prinzmetal's variant angina are described, who had also 'atypical' manifestations of variant angina, i.e. chest pain and S-T segment elevation also during treadmill exercise testing. Because of these unusual manifestations the proper diagnosis was delayed and the patients continued with inappropriate therapy (propranolol and only low-dose nitrates). After the correct diagnosis of variant angina with 'atypical' manifestations was made, application of high-dose nitrates and nifedipine resulted in complete relief of symptoms. Repeat treadmill testing during this therapy did not provoke attacks of chest pain with S-T elevation.