Stable angina is a common clinical condition in everyday practice. Several studies (ACME, MASS, RITA 2) compared the efficacy of angioplasty with medical management in this context with concordant results: significant reduction in the frequency of angina and improved exercise capacity, without reduction in the number of serious events (death, infarction). Even though developments in the field of angioplasty have provided better clinical results, especially with the use of stents, the indication of dilatation should be clearly defined by a series of clinical and angiographic parameters. Although resistance to well conducted medical treatment is an indication for revascularisation when possible, the indications should be reconsidered if persistent ischaemia with medical therapy has not been proved.