The present invention is directed to methods for predicting risk of adverse cardiovascular events and/or mortality in an individual comprises the steps of: a) recording an electrocardiogram from the individual； b) analyzing the electrocardiogram to detect the presence of wave form elements； c) calculating a risk score based on the presence of the wave form elements； and d) predicting risk of adverse cardiovascular events and/or mortality based on the risk score. In another aspect, calculation of the risk score is based on a longitudinal assessment of wave form elements and adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in a population-based cohort study. In yet another aspect, steps (a) to (c) are performed by a compatible recording instrument programmed to detect, quantitate, and analyze the wave form elements and calculate the risk score based upon the wave form elements.
