Coronary angioplasty was performed in 23 patients in whom within 10 days after acute myocardial infarction severe angina recurred despite continuing maximal pharmacological therapy. Initial success was achieved in 83% (19 of 23 patients). In three of the four failures bypass surgery was carried out as an emergency. There were no deaths, but myocardial infarction was a complication in 13% (three of 23 patients). At 6 months follow-up angina had recurred in 32% (6 of 19 patients) despite initial successful angioplasty. In 16 of the 19 patients, angiography was repeated and restenosis was seen in 31%, 5 of 16 patients, all of whom had recurrent symptoms. We conclude that, while coronary angioplasty is an effective initial therapy for selected patients with early post-infarction angina, its exact long-term value remains to be decided.