The electrocardiograms (ECGs) of 558 individuals, 83% of the total population aged 85 years or over in the city of Tampere in 1977, were assessed according to the Minnesota code in a health survey. The underlying causes of death were identified from the death certificates during the following five years. The total mortality rate was 70%, while the cardiovascular mortality was 51%. The lowest 5-year mortality from cardiovascular and cardiac diseases was observed in subjects with no codable or only minor ECG abnormality in the initial examination. The highest cardiovascular mortality rate was found in individuals with atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular blocks and left or right bundle branch block. The cardiac mortality was related to left or right bundle branch block and atrial fibrillation. Mortality from stroke showed the highest association with clockwise rotation and left high R waves.