Evgeny Chazov, a Soviet doctor, renowned cardiologist and central figure in 20th-century medicine, lived 92 years without getting sick, without surrendering to fatigue and without complaining about life. His secret was not in miracle diets or modern routines, but in something much deeper and simpler: how to live in peace with himself and his environment.
Chazov not only heard thousands of hearts in his career, he also understood his own. And what she shared until her last days was a vision of well-being based on calm, forgiveness, honesty and, above all, purpose.
What’s that one thing you should get out of your house?
“The TV transmits anxiety. Drop by drop, it poisons the mood. And sadness kills faster than a disease,” he said.
Chazov claimed that many of his patients suffered more from stress and lack of meaning than from their actual medical problems. Watching television in excess, especially toxic content, can plunge us into a kind of silent depression that weakens cardiovascular health.
Life Lessons for Taking Care of Your Heart
- Excuse me. Chazov was betrayed by colleagues and students. He never took revenge. He forgave and moved on. That ability to let go of the negative was key to his well-being.
- Live with purpose. It’s not about having great achievements, but about having a reason to get up every morning. According to Chazov, a goal, no matter how small, sustains the body and soul.
- Don’t overload yourself emotionally. Silent stress, which is not expressed or recognized, is the most lethal. Recognizing and releasing it is vital.
- Eat in moderation, but without guilt. Chazov did not follow strict diets. He drank tea with sugar, ate bread and sausages, and avoided only lard, fat, and smoked foods. The most important thing, he said, is not to abuse.
- Stay away from negativity. Not just the TV. Also about people, routines, and environments that drain your energy. Peace of mind is a medicine that is not sold, but it is chosen.
- Take care of your nervous system. According to him, nearly half of people live with intermittent depression. The key to avoiding heart disease is to cultivate optimism and strengthen the mind.
Tips and recommendations for a longer, healthier life
- I reduced the consumption of television to a minimum, especially sensationalist programs or programs loaded with bad news.
- Make time for activities that bring you joy, such as walking, talking, reading, or simply resting in silence.
- Create a serene environment in your home, with fewer screens and more space for dialogue or rest.
- Learn to say no to what hurts you, without feeling guilty.
- Forgive me, even if they don’t deserve it. Forgiveness does not liberate the other, it frees you.
- Don’t look for perfection, look for meaning. A life with purpose, no matter how small it may seem, is worth more than a life of appearances.
- Remember that the heart not only pumps blood, it also stores memories. Listen.
