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.

Background and Aims: We investigated whether patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Europe are achieving the standards set by prevention and rehabilitation guidelines. Variability in achieved standards was also studied: (i) between countries, (ii) between geographical risk regions, and (iii) according to attendance at cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Methods: EUROASPIRE VI is an observational study conducted between September 2024 and February 2026 in 160 hospitals across 27 countries. Geographical risk regions were defined as high, moderate, or low based on World Health Organization cardiovascular mortality data. Results were standardized by age and sex. Results: Among 8590 patients with CHD (23.7% female), 17.1% were current smokers, 32.0% were obese, and 33.5% reported low physical activity. 59.8% were above blood pressure target (systolic ≥130 and/or diastolic ≥80 mmHg), 82.7% were above LDL-cholesterol target (≥1.4 mmol/L), 32.8% had known diabetes of whom 42.2% had HbA1c ≥7%, and 30.6% had chronic kidney disease. Prevalences of these risk factors were all highest in countries from high-risk regions. 29.1% of patients attended at least one CR session, with country variability ranging from 0% to 79% and differing by risk region (55.9% low risk, 29.7% moderate risk and 10.2% high risk; P < .001). Attendance at CR programmes was associated with significantly better lifestyles, risk factor control, and use of cardioprotective drugs. Conclusions: Most European patients are not achieving targets set by prevention guidelines. Despite better outcomes for those attending CR, there is marked variability in CR attendance and evidence of inverse care, with lowest attendance in highest risk regions. These results provide a baseline to inform the challenges for future implementation of the first European Society of Cardiology guideline on CR.

The Latvian Society of Cardiology was honoured to receive the ESC Membership Global Award 2025, and we are grateful for the opportunity to present the Society in the European Heart Journal.

Background and Objectives: Cigarette smoking remains a leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. This study aimed to analyze decade trends in daily smoking prevalence and its association with education level and physical activity by gender and age groups in Latvia. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from two distinct waves of a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Latvia. The study included a stratified random sample of adults aged 25–74 (N = 3807 in 2009; N = 4070 in 2019). Smoking status and education level were self-reported in both years; physical activity data were collected only in 2019. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent factors associated with smoking. Results: From 2009 to 2019, smoking prevalence decreased among men (from 43.6% to 36.0%, p < 0.01) and increased among women (from 15.0% to 18.1%, p < 0.01). Men and women with higher education were significantly less likely to be daily smokers (2019, Men: odds ratio (OR): 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.59; Women: OR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.29–0.50). Among men, the proportion of daily smokers was higher in physically inactive (39.8%) and active (39.0%) groups compared to the moderately active group (31.4%, p < 0.01). However, physical activity level was not a significant predictor of smoking in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Over the decade, daily smoking prevalence decreased in men but increased in women in Latvia, with education level being a strong independent predictor. Although the proportion of smokers among men differed across physical activity groups, this factor was not an independent predictor of smoking. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions in Latvia, specifically focusing on individuals with lower education levels to reduce the long-term cardiovascular burden.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of two original compositions of polyphenols-containing dietary supplement on lipid profile and level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with angiographycally verified coronary artery disease (CAD). Design and methods: 167 patients were selected during their scheduled post-event elective bicycle stress-test examination. All patients received standard CAD therapy and permanent statin therapy and had elevated total cholesterol (TC > 5.0 mmol/L) and/or CRP (>3.5 mg/L) levels. The study consisted of 2 days of polyphenol depletion followed by a 12-week supplementation period in a randomized, blinded, placebo-uncontrolled parallel design. Two different compositions SILVA 1 (Quercetine, linseed oil and Resveratrol), and SILVA 2 (Quercetine, linseed oil and Pycnogenol) were tested. Results: All parameters changed compared baseline and 1 and 3 months in both groups. CRP decreased from 2.48 ± 1.62 mg/L at baseline to 1.97 ± 1.15 mg/L, high density cholesterol (HDL-C) increased from 1.18 ± 0.31 to 1.38 ± 0.34 mmol/L, also decrease of triglycerides (TG) from 1.5 to 1.29 mmol/L after 3 months treatment in SILVA I group was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Changes of parameters between baseline and 1 or 3 months in SILVA II group were not statistically significant. Hovewer, decrease of CRP (from 2.6 ± 1.28 to 2.41 ± 1.68), decrease of low density cholesterol (LDL-C from 2.95 ± 1.2 to 2.88 ± 1.21), increase of HDL-C (from 1.25 ± 0.22 to 1.34 ± 0.23), decrease of TC (from 5.2 ± 1.3 to 5.1 ± 1.28) and decrease of TG (from 1.4 ± 0.41 to 1.3 ± 0.38) can be counted as tendency of changes. Conclusion: This study reveals the superiority of treatment with statins in combination with composition containing Resveratrol for correction of lipid profile and inflamation marker CRP of patients with CAD