Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (RFs) in Latvia from the population-based cross-sectional study performed in 2019–2020 and to compare the results with a similar study done in 2009–2010. Materials and Methods: The target sample of 6000 individuals representing a cross-section of Latvia’s inhabitants (aged 25–74) was formed using stratified two-stage cluster sampling. The survey had two components: (1) an interview using a pre-specified questionnaire and (2) physical examination (height, weight, arterial pressure) and collection of venous blood samples to measure levels of fasting glucose (Glu), total cholesterol (TC), high and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C/LDL-C), and triglycerides (Tg). In total, 4070 individuals were interviewed (32% non-response), from which 2218 (55%) individuals underwent physical examination and collection of blood samples. Results: The most frequently observed RFs were high LDL-C (62.0%), smoking (45.3%), and arterial hypertension (36.8%), while the prevalence of self-reported high cholesterol and hypertension was 19.3 and 18.6%, respectively. A decrease in the prevalence of hypertension, high LDL-C, and Glu was noted. Smoking decreased in younger men. The mean number of five most important cardiovascular RFs was 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0, 2.1); 2.3 (95% CI 2.2, 2.4) for men and 1.8 (95% CI 1.7, 19) for women. The average number of RFs has decreased by 0.3 in 10 years, t(5883) = −7.2, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of cardiovascular RFs remains noteworthy, an improvement in the risk profile of the Latvian population has been observed over the past decade. The study shows subjective self-underestimation of cardiovascular risk.

Unsaturated fatty acids have the potential to reduce residual cardiovascular risk. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) contains several valuable bioactive substances, including lipids with a balanced fatty acid composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sea buckthorn seed lipid extract (SBS-LE) on residual cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients. In this pilot study, 86 patients with chronic coronary syndrome receiving statin (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin) and/or ezetimibe were enrolled. SBS-LE capsules (1000 mg, twice daily) were prescribed in addition to standard medical therapy, with each capsule containing 300 mg of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, 370 mg of omega-6 linoleic acid, 170 mg of omega-9 oleic acid and 7 mg of the plant sterol beta-sitosterol. For this clinical trial, SBS-LE was produced via supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. Clinical effects and impacts on laboratory test results were evaluated at baseline and after three months. Additionally, lipidomics testing was performed to confirm the bioavailability of the formulation. Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by 2.9 mmHg (2.1%, p = 0.012), LDL-C by 0.3 mmol/l (12.0%, p = 0.005) and CRP by 1.0 mg/l (37.0%, p = 0.032) were observed. These data suggest that SBS-LE may have potential as an add-on preventive strategy for residual cardiovascular risk reduction.

Background and Objectives: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) is often associated with longer total stent length. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) implantation in CTO to avoid using a full metal jacket. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective longitudinal case study including 34 patients who underwent PCI of CTO with at least one BRS and drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation (n = 27) or BRS-only at the Latvian Centre of Cardiology between 2016 and 2018. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and intravascular ultrasound were performed during the index procedure and long-term follow-up. Results: Of 34 patients with a mean age of 60.6 ± 9.5 years, 76.5% were male. The most common CTO artery was the right coronary artery (73.5%, n = 25). The median length of occlusion was 23.0 mm (interquartile range (IQR) = 13.9–32.7), with a total mean BRS/DES length of 49.6 ± 20.4 mm. During the median follow-up of 5.6 years (IQR = 5.0–5.9), the primary endpoint of target vessel re-occlusion occurred in 5.9% (n = 2) of patients. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) was performed in 35.3% (n = 12) of patients, with a mean time to TLR of 62.5 (95% confidence interval (CI), 53.9–71.2) months. Through QCA, there was a statistically significant increase in median residual diameter stenosis (20.1–31.4%, p < 0.01) and residual length of stenosis (5.2–7.1%, p = 0.04) compared with the index procedure. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that BRS is a safe and feasible option for PCI of CTO, allowing for the avoidance of long segment stenting and ensuring long-term patency of the coronary artery.