Coronary artery disease (CAD) causes severe disability and more death than any other disease in affluent societies, including cancer. The medical conditions associated with it are angina, ischaemia, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden death. Choosing the appropriate investigation to confirm a diagnosis helps to assess risk and determine the correct treatment path. GPs also need to know the effective life-style and risk-factor modifications in addition to advocating the best medical therapy.