Clinical Medicine

Cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment in the Latvian population

Cross-sectional epidemiological study of cardiovascular and other non-communicable disease risk factors, providing insight into the prevalence of risk factors over time, in order to develop a modern nationwide CVD prevention programme with the overall goal of improving the quality of life and extending the life expectancy of the population.

Andrejs Ērglis
(andrejs.erglis@lu.lv; +371 67069541; https://www.mf.lu.lv/)

Analysis of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases in the Latvian population in terms of genetic predisposition

Epidemiological cross-sectional study of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, which provides an opportunity to analyse blood samples from the population for genetic studies, including identification of new cardiovascular risk factors and markers and insights into the prevalence of common mutations in Latvia.

The role of natural substances in reducing residual cardiovascular risk

Investigation of the effects of different natural compounds (resveratrol, pycnogenol, sea buckthorn oil, etc.) on the lipid profile and C-reactive protein levels in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)

Morphological study of atherosclerotic plaque with invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques    

Comparative studies on the impact of invasive and new non-invasive techniques (PET-CT) on biological processes relevant for the development of atherosclerosis, including inflammation and calcification.

Complex lesion PCI – new strategies and long-term sustainability

Development of new strategies for the treatment of complex lesions, including analysis of the long-term durability of the treatment outcome after PCI of complex lesions and BVS implantation.

Clinical optometry

Research on visual disorders, functional visual impairment, clinical cases. Development of new diagnostic tools for vision professionals.

Gunta Krūmiņa
(gunta.krumina@lu.lv; +371 67033945; 
https://www.fmof.lu.lv/en/about/about-faculty/department-of-optometry-and-vision-science/)

In-depth study of visual functions (accommodation and eye movements)

Clinical and objective assessment of accommodation and eye movements, leading to a more detailed understanding of the function and importance of these functions in the visual process, in addition to the effects on visual processes, possible complaints when accommodation and/or eye movement disorders occur in different age groups, as well as options for their correction.

Assessment of fixation disparity and physiological significance in visual processes

Different methods of assessing fixation disparity - clinical and objective (using eye movement recorders), the role of fixation disparity in visual processes and changes due to external and internal factors, as well as assessment of the need for correction.

Development of children's vision, possibilities of correction of children's vision disorders

Exploring and understanding the stages of children's visual development; studying the most common childhood visual disorders - amblyopia and strabismus, diagnostic and treatment options.

Familial hypercholesterolemia, severe hypercholesterolemia, primary hypertriglyceridemia, other primary hyperlipidemias, elevated lipoprotein(a)

Study of the genetic mechanisms of severe hyperlipidemia, risk assessment, effectiveness of therapy, diagnosis and prognosis of early atherosclerosis. Studying data utilizing information from the Latvian Registry of Familial Hypercholesterolemia.