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Background: The role of QTc-prolongation, in relation to the increased mortality in COPD, is unclear.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and prognostic impact, assessed as mortality, of QTc-prolongation in COPD, restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP), and normal lung function (NLF), respectively.

Methods: All individuals (n = 993) with COPD and age- and sex-matched non-obstructive referents were identified from well-defined population-based cohorts examined in Northern Sweden in 2002–04. In 2005, the study-sample was invited to re-examination including ECG; QTc was calculated and mortality data collected until 31st December 2010.

Results: The prevalence of QTc-prolongation was higher among people with RSP than among those with NLF and, although similar in NLF and COPD, the prevalence increased by COPD-severity. Among participants with COPD, those with QTc prolongation had higher mortality than those with normal QTc, while no such differences were found among participants with NLF or RSP.

Conclusion: Among participants with COPD, the prevalence of QTc-prolongation increased by disease-severity and was associated with mortality.