Umræða og fréttir

It is known that there is long life expectancy in Iceland and the country has the lowest neonatal death rate in the world. In this short report we draw attention to some other accomplishments in our country, namely the fight against coronary heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid diseases and blindness.

Coronary Heart Disease: According to the Monica Heart Study, which focuses on the accomplishments in the fight against coronary heart disease, Iceland together with Sweden and Norway have the best outcome when attention is focused on hospital availability and life expectancy four weeks following a coronary ischemic attack. No sex difference is observed in the outcome figures in Iceland or in the other Nordic Countries in contrast to those from the USA.

Cancer: The “Eurocare study“ compares the survival of cancer patients diagnosed in Europe. Iceland has been shown to have the best overall 5 year survival of cancer patients together with Sweden. The Nordic Countries in general are doing well although there is room for improvement in Denmark. All comparison with survival figures from the USA should be looked upon with some reservation since patient follow-up in the USA can be unreliable.

Eye diseases: Half a century ago blindness from glaucoma accounted for about half of all blindness in Iceland. Now this figure has dropped to 5%. Diabetes related blindness in Iceland is the lowest reported in the world. Cataract is not a cause of blindness in the country; thanks to good health care for eye diseases. The most common cause of blindness in Iceland is age related macular degeneration.

Rheumatoid diseases: According to a recent report on welfare and social support for patients with rheumatoid diseases the number of patients on invalidity benefits in the age group 55-64 is lowest in Iceland of the Nordic Countries.

How can such a tiny nation with only 300.000 inhabitants present such admirable data in comparison to other Western countries? Some of the thanks might go to the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Iceland. Also Icelandic graduate doctors do seek specialist training abroad usually at well respected institutions in Europe and the USA and return to Iceland to work.