Israel’s average mortality rate from heart diseases stands at less than 200 deaths per/100,000, which places Israel in a respectable 4th place according to the OECD report.

By Maytal Yasur Beit-Or

A report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has ranked Israel’s mortality rate for cardiovascular disease the fourth-lowest among OECD nations. Japan was ranked first, with the lowest rate of mortality from heart disease.

Heart disease mortality rate among lowest (Illustration) – Photo: GettyImages

The average mortality rate from heart disease in Israel stands at fewer than 200 deaths per 100,000 population; 161 among women and 220 among men. Israel came after Japan (171 deaths per 100,000), France (182) and South Korea (185). The countries with the highest mortality rate for cardiovascular diseases are Hungary, Estonia and the Czech Republic, with more than 500 deaths per 100,000 people.

Michael Glikson, director of the Davidai Cardiac Arrhythmia Center at Sheba Medical Center, explained that though there are “genetic differences between the various countries, cardiologically speaking, our genetics as Jews are slightly better than those of the Europeans.

“But no less important, the field of cardiology in Israel is highly advanced, and as a result accessible invasive heart attack treatment is available in almost every medical center in Israel,” added Glikson.

However, when it comes to diabetes, Israel takes a worrying third place in diabetes incidence. According to the OECD report data, 27% of people in Israel aged 60 to 79 suffer from diabetes, as do 9% of people aged 40 to 59. Only Mexico and Portugal had higher incidences of diabetes among the OECD nations.

An estimated 85 million people ages 20 to 79, or 7% percent of the population in OECD nations, suffer from diabetes and the number is expected to rise to about 27% (108 million people) by 2030.

Carmel Shama-Hacohen, Israel’s permanent representative to the OECD, said: “It’s encouraging that despite the constant tension and sudden rocket sirens Israelis have been enduring, the Israeli heart is revealed to be resilient and strong, much like the Israeli people themselves. Furthermore, it’s a badge of honor for the Israeli medical system.”

View original Israel Hayom publication at: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=26347