Recent developments in the field of echocardiography have allowed us objectively quantify global and regional myocardial function. The first developed technology; tissue Doppler imaging provides a more objective assessment of myocardial function but it is subject to cardiac translational motion and passive tethering effects. These limitations are overcome by the measurement of local myocardial deformation parameters with strain and strain rate echocardiography. These methods are valid not only during baseline regional ischemia assessment but also during stress echocardiography. (Anadolu Kardiyol Derg 2008; 8: Suppl 1; 23-8)