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If you've had an attack of unstable angina, you may feel anxious about your future and worry that you could have a heart attack or die. But most people recover well.

You will still need to take medications, probably for the rest of your life. These drugs can relieve your chest pain and lower your risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other serious problems.^{1 2}

The bad news is that having angina probably means that you have coronary artery disease. With this disease, the arteries that carry blood to your heart are narrowed, so less blood can get through. If an artery gets badly blocked, you can have a heart attack. Having angina means you are more likely to die early from a heart attack.³

Doctors keep statistics on people who have problems like unstable angina. So we know things like how many people die soon after an attack of unstable angina, how many people have a heart attack, and how many continue to have problems with their health.

You might be interested in reading these numbers, or you might prefer not to look at them. If you do read them, keep in mind that they can't predict your future. They come from the experiences of large groups of people. They don't refer to you as an individual. For more, see Unstable angina: facts and figures.

Doctors are always learning more about unstable angina, and treatments keep getting better. These days, doctors in the emergency room can quickly determine which people are at highest risk of getting worse. They can then give these people the intensive treatment they need. For more, see Unstable angina: figuring out your risk.

Making some changes in the way you live, such as stopping smoking and eating sensibly, also may help you live longer and stay in good health. For more, see Unstable angina: what you can do to help yourself.

You may worry about doing your usual activities or enjoying life as normal. The good news is that, with the right treatment, many people with unstable angina can keep doing the things they enjoy.

Having angina can affect certain kinds of work. For example, you may no longer be able to do a job that involves running heavy machinery or driving certain kinds of vehicles. Ask your doctor about this.

You should still be able to drive, as long as your angina is under control. Ask your doctor if you have to tell your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) and your car insurance company about your angina.

You may worry that having sex will bring on your angina. But most people can still enjoy sex.

If you're taking drugs called nitrates, you shouldn't take certain medications for erection problems. Some of these drugs (with brand names) are listed below.

• sildenafil (Viagra)
• tadalafil (Cialis)
• vardenafil (Levitra)

Nitrates can lower your blood pressure, and these other drugs may lower it even more. That can be dangerous.

If you worry about having sex, talk to your doctor. You may feel embarrassed bringing this up, but remember that sex is a normal part of life. Your doctor is used to dealing with sexual problems. He or she may be able to help you and your partner.

If your doctor has any doubts, he or she may suggest a stress test to see how much exercise is safe for you. For more, see Stress test.

Generally, if you have unstable angina or get frequent chest pains, then you should not fly. If you're not sure if flying is safe, talk to your doctor.

Having angina can affect how much you get out of life. You may worry so much about your condition that you feel you have to take it easy and can't live life normally.

If you're worried or feeling down, talk to your doctor about a self-help angina plan. This plan is based on a workbook and a relaxation tape. If you have been recently diagnosed with angina, the plan can help you feel better and have less anxiety and depression. You work with a nurse who helps you change the way you live and advises you about medications.⁴

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.