Objective To observe the influence of pre-infarction angina on ventricular function and prognosis of first acute myocardial infarction in old people. Methods 76 first acute myocardial infarction old patients was divided into two groups: angina pectoris group (n=42); no angina pectoris group (n=34). Global left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography, arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, post-infarction angina and mortality was observed in hospital. Results The rate of cardiogenic shock and heart failure and mortality was lower in angina pectoris group (33.3% vs 58.8%; 2.4% vs 23.5%), LVEF and E/A was higher in angina pectoris group (0.52±0.056 vs 0.45±0.03,0.86±0.29 vs 0.54±0.35), P<0.05. Conclusion pre-infarction angina possesses the protecting effects on ventricular function of first acute myocardial infarction in old people, and can improve the prognosis of first acute myocardial infarction in old people.