Early risk assessment is essential for the application of appropriate treatment and further management in patients with unstable coronary artery disease, i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. In this article, the use of exercise testing and biochemical markers for identification of high- and low-risk patients is discussed, with special reference to experiences from the FRISC (Fragmin During Instability in Coronary Artery Disease) trial. It is concluded that a symptom-limited predischarge exercise test (provided all relevant information obtained is considered) and determination of troponin T are inexpensive, widely applicable, and useful methods for early risk stratification in both men and women after an episode of unstable coronary artery disease.