Using a prospective design, this study examines the mediating effect of perceived control in explaining the predictive role of socioeconomic status (SES) in long-term changes in functional status as a consequence of the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD). We followed 221 older CHD patients by using a community-based survey. We collected data on patients' functional status before the onset of disease and 1 year after the diagnosis. Multiple linear regressions show that SES predicts functional changes only in relation to physical functioning. Furthermore, self-efficacy, but not mastery, mediates the predictive role of SES in changes in physical functioning in CHD patients. Self-efficacy is the only aspect of control that mediates the relation between SES and changes in physical functioning. Our findings provide a basis for future interventions in disadvantaged groups of older persons and new theoretical models of recovery processes.