Angina pectoris or chest pain is the main symptom of coronary insufficiency which may lead to reversible or irreversible ischaemia. It must be distinguished from other cardiac or thoracic causes. Nervous or functional disorders hardly influence life expectancy. Unstable angina pectoris, pre-infarction syndrome or post-infarction angina cannot be accepted for life insurance. We have divided stable angina pectoris into four classes in accordance with the NYHA classification. We have indicated the relevant extra mortality. Separate consideration must be given to additional factors adversely affecting the risk.