Living longendaay? Ditch one thing at home, suggests long-term Kremlin doctor Chazov on life-shortening factors
In the realm of cardiology, few names resonate as significantly as that of Dr. Yevgeny Chazov, the renowned Soviet cardiologist often referred to as the "Kremlin doctor." Despite limited specific information about his views on cardiovascular health or modern research summaries, his influence aligns broadly with established guidelines.
Dr. Chazov, who dedicated over sixty years to cardiology, emphasized prevention and lifestyle modifications as crucial for maintaining heart health. He asserted that stress significantly shortens life and is a cause of many heart diseases.
His advice, supported by contemporary cardiologist and therapist Anna Korenevich, encourages balanced nutrition, moderate physical activity, and stress minimization. Regular preventive medical examinations, she adds, help detect and prevent problems at an early stage. Products high in antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruits, and berries, are also considered essential for cardiovascular health.
Modern research corroborates this, highlighting Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, nuts, and flaxseeds, as key for heart health.
Yet, Dr. Chazov recognised that everyone has their own food preferences, and overeating is harmful. He did not adhere to strict diets but excluded butter, fat, and smoked foods from his diet. His morning meals consisted of tea, sugar or jam, white bread, and doctor's sausage.
In terms of lifestyle, Dr. Chazov found "rebooting" in hiking in the mountains and relaxing in nature. He also advised removing the television from one's home to live longer. Interestingly, he refused payment for treating patients, attributing his longevity to his care for his health.
His mother, a doctor who survived the Civil War, instilled in him values of calmness in difficult situations, honesty, and the ability to acknowledge mistakes. These principles, perhaps, contributed to his long and impactful career in cardiology.
Heart attacks are now diagnosed in people as young as twenty, underscoring the importance of maintaining cardiovascular health from a young age. Before making significant lifestyle changes, it's always necessary to consult with a treating physician, as advised by Anna Korenevich.
Dr. Chazov lived to be 92 years old, a testament to his commitment to heart health and his influential advice that continues to resonate today.
In the context of Dr. Chazov's advocacy for workplace-wellness, he suggested that mental-health, in addition to balanced nutrition, moderate physical activity, and stress minimization, is essential for maintaining overall health-and-wellness. Contemporary research also underscores the importance of mental-health in maintaining cardiovascular health, particularly as it relates to reducing stress levels.
