Methods are presented that comprise the administration of a pharmaceutical composition comprising adenosine and dipyridamole, as well methods comprising the combined administration of dipyridamole administered as a bolus with adenosine given as an infusion, both at dosages below their respective single agent dosages, for detecting the presence and/or assessing the severity of myocardial ischemia during pharmacologic stress tests. The methods are useful for exploiting the vasodilating abilities of adenosine at doses at which side effects related to adenosine are substantially reduced while optimal coronary artery perfusion is achieved. Also presented are compositions, unit dosage forms, and kits that are useful in performing the methods.