The value of the blood sugar as a predictor of outcome following a myocardial infarction was assessed in a group of elderly patients (mean age 73 years) admitted to a Coronary Care Unit. Mortality was found to be significantly greater in those who had a raised blood sugar on admission and we suggest that this may be a useful test in helping decide whether an elderly patient should be admitted to a Coronary Care Unit when there is a shortage of beds.