The adjusted hazard ratios of death were 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06e1.51), 1.40 (1.21
e1.63), 1.55 (1.21e1.97) and 2.85 (1.65e4.94) for GOLD stages 1e4, respectively, with FEV1/FVC 70% as
the reference. The association between GOLD stages 2e4 and mortality was strongest among subjects
under 50 years of age at the baseline measurement. Cardiovascular mortality increased consistently for
all GOLD stages.