Lithuanian Heart Association

he Lithuanian Heart Association (LHA) is a voluntary and independent, non-governmental organization, uniting medical professionals and patients interested in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. LHA was established in 1994 by initiative of two well-known professors in cardiology – prof. Aleksandras Laucevicius and prof. Rimgaudas Nemickas. LHA has been taking care of heart patients and medical professionals for over 25 years. LHA primarily engages in informing the public on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and by emphasizing crucial risk factors, such as high cholesterol and other lipid conditions, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, and role of healthy living. Additionally, LHA searches for the governmental support to improve cardiovascular disease prevention measures in Lithuania, provides patient’ and medical professional’ support. The Department of Patients with Cardiovascular Disease was established in 2010 at the Lithuanian Heart Association and organizes mutual-support clubs for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, such as FH and other inherited dyslipidemias. LHA implements its successful campaigns: ‘World Heart Day’, ‘Go Red for Women’, ‘Word Thrombosis Day’, ‘I promise’ initiative, campaigns around FH awareness, heart attack, arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation and stroke awareness. Additionally, LHA supports educational activities for medical professionals by organizing different local conferences, providing grants for participation in international congresses and publish research papers.