Maintaining strong heart health requires a collaborative effort between patients and medical professionals. While the latest medical advances help improve patients' quality of life and life expectancy, government policies and public awareness of health-promoting habits are also important. People need to be more aware of the importance of following prescribed treatments precisely in case of illness and of the important roles of diet, lifestyle, and physical activity. This is the closing statement from the largest interdisciplinary cardiology conference in the Baltics, “MISSION: HEART”, which was organized by the “Veselības centru apvienība” (VCA).
The conference held on 19 of September featured presentations by leading experts in the field, including doctors, professors, and practitioners from the largest healthcare institutions. More than 500 general practitioners, cardiologists, neurologists, pharmacists, and other medical specialists from all over Latvia attended the conference.
“Cardiovascular health is the most important healthcare topic, which is once again being prioritized in the forthcoming Action Plan of the Ministry of Health, developed together with the healthcare sector organizations. This conference provides professionals with an opportunity to meet, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation. We can be most effective when working together – it is a pleasure to collaborate with the event organizers. Only through such cooperation between state and private healthcare providers can we develop and improve healthcare in Latvia,” said Āris Kasparāns, director of the National Health Service, in his opening remarks at the conference.
“VCA is experienced and most accessible healthcare provider in the country. We have also developed a strong cardiology service. Our 26 clinics have 47 cardiology units located throughout various regions of Latvia, and we perform over 150,000 cardiological examinations annually. Our team consists of nearly one hundred cardiology professionals, and we implement a residency program in cooperation with universities, as well as train new cardiologists. Thus, with VCA's existing professional capacity and infrastructure, we are already an essential partner for both state and municipal hospitals, helping patients receive the diagnostics and treatment they need. Our goal in supporting the growth of Latvian medicine is to ensure that modern, high-quality services are available to people, improving the quality of life for Latvian society,” says Iveta Lāce, Chairwoman of the VCA board.
“Adherence is a cornerstone of our health – meaning our everyday habits: not smoking, following a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, and having regular health check-ups. When these elements are combined with modern therapies, technological innovations, and personalized care, the chances of living a long and healthy life increase significantly,” emphasized Professor Andrejs Ērglis, one of Latvia’s leading cardiologists, Head of the Latvian Cardiology Center at P. Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and Professor at the University of Latvia. At the “MISSION: HEART” conference, he shared the latest insights on cardiovascular disease treatment, recently presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Latvia. Every year, heart health problems lead to approximately 16,000 deaths. This accounts for half of all deaths in our country. Healthcare lacks a coordinated approach that would support early disease detection, help prevent patients’ health from worsening, and reduce the risk of premature death. This issue will be addressed in the upcoming Cardiovascular health action plan for 2025–2027 in Latvia. The plan places special emphasis on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and strengthening professional competencies. Outpatient centers will play an increasingly important role in overseeing patients’ health, and therefore must be ready to provide advanced medical care.