Spain has lowest mortality rate in the EU

Spain has lowest mortality rate in the EU

Caption: Spain has the lowest mortality rate in Europe Credit: Shutterstock

A RECENT study by the European Statistics agency, Eurostat, has revealed that Spain has the lowest mortality rate in the EU, with only 829 deaths for every 100,000 citizens recorded during 2016.

These figures put Spain at the top of the list for mortality, but also figures show that life expectancy is also at a worldwide high at 83, putting it second behind Japan.

The main causes of deaths for the Spanish population are cardiovascular disease, more specifically arteriosclerosis, with 36 per cent succumbing to the disease. Second highest is cancer at 26 per cent.

Despite the promising figures, the causes of deaths continue to be a concern.

Manuel Anguita, president of the Spanish Cardiology Society, said: “Despite Spain’s privileged situation, the pending challenge is to reduce arteriosclerosis, which is the ageing of arteries and build-up of fat and bad cholesterol on artery walls.”

This is mainly caused by poor diet and lack of exercise and only in the minority of cases genetic disorders.

Experts also point to a new spike in smoking, which could increase cancer rates and cardiovascular diseases.

Figures released by the OECD show that 99.8 per cent of the population have access to free public healthcare, above the EU average, however investment in the system is well below, with only 2,800 euros per person, the average being 3,400 euros.

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James Warren

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