Ergomentry under physical load represents a simple and widly applied investigational method. Cardiologi-cal societies in various countries háve elaborated common procedures that express the present standpoint of the cardiological public to this proceduře. The objective of the páper is to acquaint the broad medical pub¬lic with the present statě of this problém. Summarized are briefly the principles of the investigation method, its indications, contraindications, and risks. Mentioned are all basic pieces of information and recommen-dations of the Czech and European cardiological societies, and discussed are American recommendations that include newer indications, first of all burden ergomentry in patients with unstable angina pectoris and in asymptomatic patients suffering obturating stenosis of the aorta. Speciál attention is given to the sensiti¬vity and specificity of the methopd. Described are States in which the method does not contribute to our knowledge and picturing methods háve to be ušed. The article is to inform physicians about burden ergo¬metry, its advantages as well as its limits.

        Key words: burden ergometry - pulse frequency - burden tolerance - ECG.