Cardiac Surgeon Highlights Link Between Emotional Well-being and Heart Health
Maintaining a joyful lifestyle and staying active through dancing are essential for keeping the heart young, according to Professor Massimo Massetti, a 61-year-old cardiac surgeon at Policlinico Gemelli. In a discussion regarding cardiovascular health, the Cortona-born specialist emphasized that whereas genetics play a significant role in disease, emotional states directly impact physical heart function.
Massetti describes the heart as the “king” of organs, noting its critical role as the first organ to develop—with cells beginning to beat 21 days after conception—and the last to cease functioning at the time of death. Despite being only the size of a fist, the heart performs an immense amount of work, contracting 100,000 times daily to pump approximately 7,500 liters of blood.
Over the course of a human lifetime, Massetti notes, the heart beats 2.5 billion times and pumps a volume of blood capable of filling 90 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This relentless workload makes the organ susceptible to wear and tear over time.
To combat this decline, the surgeon suggests treating heart health like vehicle maintenance. “We must arrive first,” Massetti stated, suggesting that the heart needs a “service” or check-up every few thousand kilometers, rather than waiting for the organ to send signals of distress.
The connection between the mind and the heart is a primary focus for Massetti, who warns that chronic stress can lead to mechanical problems due to a complex neuro-hormonal mechanism. He specifically highlighted the reality of “heartbreak,” noting that sentimental disappointments can trigger anxiety and depression, which in turn activate negative physiopathological processes.
This emotional strain can manifest as Takotsubo syndrome, commonly known as “broken heart syndrome.” Massetti described this condition as an acute transient cardiomyopathy, which is frequently triggered by intense physical or emotional stress.
Beyond emotional health, the surgeon recommended practical daily habits to preserve cardiovascular function. He advised patients to maintain a blood pressure diary at home and highlighted the benefits of certain dietary choices, describing olive oil and avocados as “natural medicines.”
The surgeon’s approach underscores the growing medical recognition that cardiovascular care requires a holistic strategy, combining genetic awareness and clinical monitoring with proactive emotional management.
