World Heart Day: experts say heart health reflects the whole body
On World Heart Day, Latvian medical experts emphasize that cardiovascular disease is not an isolated diagnosis but reflects the condition of the entire body, affecting kidneys, eyesight, and the brain. A survey shows the public links heart health to other organs far less often than to classic symptoms.
Marking World Heart Day, Latvian healthcare specialists are reminding the public that cardiovascular health is deeply connected to the functioning of many other organs rather than being a standalone issue. Cardiologist Alberts Bērziņš notes that factors damaging blood vessels—high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and chronic inflammation—affect the body as a whole.
A representative survey conducted in May among more than a thousand residents found that people most commonly associate heart disease with blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes, while far fewer link it to metabolic disorders (37%), kidney problems (12%), vision issues (10%), or other systems (under 7%).
Eyes, kidneys and the brain as warning signs
Ophthalmologist Dace Lietuviete explains that the retina is one of the few places in the body where blood vessels can be examined directly, meaning vision problems can sometimes signal hypertension, atherosclerosis, or diabetes. Regular eye exams are recommended for at-risk groups.
Physician Vlada Terepa stresses the importance of timely testing to assess kidney function—even a small amount of albumin in urine can indicate both kidney damage and elevated cardiovascular risk. Additional markers such as creatinine levels and filtration rate help refine diagnosis.
Neurologist Dace Sarkanābola-Bērziņa points out that the brain receives roughly a fifth of the body's blood supply, and disrupted circulation can lead to stroke, dementia, or transient ischemic attacks, which serve as warning signs of further risk.
The importance of treatment adherence
Pharmacist Evita Lārmane notes that inconsistent use of prescribed medication contributes to the progression of vascular damage rather than controlling it. She says it's important to shift from treating symptoms to managing the disease long-term through regular monitoring.
Experts conclude that regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and quitting harmful habits remain the foundation for protecting cardiovascular health.
