Short-term outcome after coronary angioplasty is mainly determined by restenosis, while long-term outcome is determined by new events due to incomplete revascularization, by atherosclerosis progression and by late-restenosis. The aim of this study is to assess if correctly treated coronary risk factors are predictors of poor prognosis after coronary angioplasty. Two-hundred and twenty six patients (209 males, 17 females, mean age 56 +/- 9 years) with successful coronary angioplasty were treated for coronary risk factors. New events (death, myocardial infarction, repeat angioplasty, bypass surgery) were recorded. Ischemia was evaluated by serial exercise tests. The mean follow-up was 31 +/- 12 months. Survival was 99.5% at 1 year and 97.4% after 5 years; "event free survival" was 84.6% at 1 year and 65.9% after 5 years; "ischemia free survival" was 84.6% at 1 year and 44.8% after 5 years. "Ischemia free survival" was higher in patients with single coronary angioplasty and in patients with infarct-related vessel angioplasty. Smoke addiction, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension were not significantly correlated with "ischemia free survival". Smokers and diabetics had a trend towards a less favorable 5 year outcome, but without statistical differences. In conclusion, this study shows that correctly treated coronary risk factors do not worsen prognosis after coronary angioplasty.