Evgeny Chazov, a Soviet physician, renowned cardiologist, and one of the most influential medical figures of the 20th century, lived 92 years without illness, without succumbing to fatigue, and without bitterness. His secret was not found in modern diets or complicated routines, but in something far simpler—and deeper: living in peace with oneself and with the world.

Throughout his life, Chazov listened to thousands of hearts. But what made him truly extraordinary was that he also learned to listen to his own. Until his final days, he shared a vision of health rooted not in medicine alone, but in calmness, forgiveness, honesty, and, above all, purpose.

The One Thing He Said to Remove From Your Home

For many, his answer was unexpected: the television.

According to Chazov, it is not fat, sugar, or even lack of exercise that most damages the heart—it is stress. And one of the greatest sources of modern stress is the constant stream of bad news, media-induced anxiety, and the quiet tension that builds from spending hours in front of a negative screen.

“Television transmits anxiety. Drop by drop, it poisons the spirit. And sadness kills faster than disease,” he once said.

Chazov observed that many of his patients suffered less from their physical conditions than from the stress and lack of purpose that dominated their lives. Excessive television, especially when filled with toxic or sensational content, can silently erode mental balance, leading to emotional fatigue and weakened cardiovascular health.

Life Lessons to Care for the Heart

1. Forgive.
Chazov was betrayed by colleagues and students during his career, yet he never sought revenge. He forgave and moved forward. His ability to release negativity, he believed, was essential for health and longevity.

2. Live with purpose.
Well-being, he said, isn’t about great achievements—it’s about having a reason to wake up each morning. A purpose, no matter how small, sustains both body and soul.

3. Don’t overload yourself emotionally.
Silent stress—the kind that’s hidden, unspoken, or suppressed—is the most destructive. Recognizing and expressing it is vital to emotional and physical balance.

4. Eat in moderation, but without guilt.
Chazov didn’t follow restrictive diets. He enjoyed tea with sugar, bread, and sausage, avoiding only butter, fat, and smoked foods. What mattered most, he said, was not excess, but peace of mind while eating.

5. Distance yourself from negativity.
Not only from the television, but also from people, routines, and environments that drain your energy. Tranquility, he often reminded his patients, is a medicine that cannot be bought—but can always be chosen.

6. Protect your nervous system.
Nearly half of all people, he noted, live with mild, intermittent depression. To avoid heart disease, one must cultivate optimism, emotional resilience, and mental calm.

Chazov’s Recommendations for a Longer, Healthier Life

• Minimize exposure to television, especially to programs filled with fear or negativity.
• Spend more time on activities that bring genuine joy—walking, reading, talking, or simply sitting in silence.
• Create a peaceful home environment with fewer screens and more space for conversation, reflection, and rest.
• Learn to say “no” to what harms you—without guilt.
• Forgive, even when others don’t deserve it. Forgiveness doesn’t free them; it frees you.
• Don’t chase perfection. Seek meaning. A simple life with purpose is worth more than a flawless life of appearances.
• Remember: the heart doesn’t just pump blood—it holds memories. Listen to it.

A Final Reflection

Dr. Evgeny Chazov’s words are not scientific formulas, but they echo profound truths about the human spirit. Sometimes, living better begins with a gesture as simple as turning off the television—and turning on your life.