Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are responsible for a significant proportion of the burden of disease, disability and death, in Israel as in other western countries. Chronic diseases impact on the quality of life of the patient and his family and are a major burden on the health system. In 2013, chronic diseases were responsible for over 60% of deaths in Israel. Seven out of the ten leading causes of death were chronic diseases, and two of these diseases—heart disease and cancer—together accounted for nearly 42% of all deaths.
The major risk factors for chronic diseases include high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, smoking and obesity. These factors cause much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases and conditions.
Leading causes of death in Israel, 2013. Percent of all deaths
