Health experts urge cardiovascular prevention in Latvia

On World Heart Day, health experts in Latvia are emphasizing that cardiovascular health is a reflection of overall bodily well-being rather than an isolated diagnosis. Specialists warn that conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease significantly increase the risk of heart disease, while heart issues can conversely impact kidney function and vision.

Data from the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) indicates that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Latvia, accounting for approximately 51% of deaths in 2024, or roughly 14,000 people annually. To combat this, the SPKC has released educational videos featuring cardiologists and family doctors to discuss risk assessment via the SCORE2 method and the importance of managing cholesterol, blood pressure, sleep, and stress.

Ophthalmologists also note that the retina can serve as a window to vascular health, as hypertension and atherosclerosis can manifest as vision blurring or sudden sight loss.