Conclusions
In this recently identified cohort, where COPD was mostly represented by GOLD stages I & II, COPD, age and current smoking were the strongest risk factors for death. Male gender and reported heart disease were also, and on a similar level, associated to an increased risk for death, even though heart disease did not reach statistical significance. The results further indicate that not only COPD but also impaired lung function, expressed as level of FEV1, is a significant risk factor for death independent of confounders as age, gender, smoking habits and heart disease.