Massimo Massetti on Happiness, Genetics, and the Heart

Professor Massimo Massetti, a cardiac surgeon at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, has highlighted the significant role that emotional well-being and physical activity play in maintaining heart health. In a discussion reported by Corriere della Sera, Massetti emphasized that seeking happiness and engaging in activities such as dancing are effective ways to keep the heart young.

Massetti’s perspective integrates the biological realities of genetic predisposition with the influence of lifestyle and emotional states. He noted that while certain diseases are written in the genes, the way individuals manage their lives and emotions can impact their overall cardiovascular health.

The Intersection of Genetics and Emotion

A central point of Massetti’s commentary is the acknowledgement that genetic factors play a predetermined role in health outcomes. However, he also addressed the physiological impact of emotional distress, specifically confirming that the heartbreak exists and can have real effects on the body.

This intersection of genetics and emotion is a recurring theme in cardiovascular research. Massetti’s professional background includes extensive work in cardiac surgery and research, with over 400 research works and thousands of citations, including studies on the prognostic impact of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling after transcatheter aortic procedures.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Heart Health

To counteract genetic risks and the effects of stress, Massetti advocates for a proactive approach to physical and mental health. He specifically pointed to the pursuit of happiness and the act of dancing as beneficial practices for cardiovascular longevity.

Beyond emotional health, the discussion touched upon practical health management and dietary habits. Key elements mentioned include:

• The importance of monitoring blood pressure through the use of pressure diaries.
• The role of natural medications and dietary choices, such as the use of olive oil and avocado.
• The management of blood sugar levels to prevent complications.
• The necessity of regular health check-ups, described as a tagliando or service check for the body.

Professional Context at Policlinico Gemelli

Professor Massetti operates within the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, which is the largest hospital in Italy and one of the largest private hospitals in Europe. The institution serves as a university hospital and is home to the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart.

The facility is a recognized Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) and is accredited as an Academic Medical Center Hospital by the Joint Commission International. It provides specialized care through various departments, including a dedicated program for adult congenital heart disease and rare cardiac diseases established in 2012.

The multidisciplinary approach adopted at the Policlinico Gemelli—incorporating cardiologists, pediatricians, and pneumology groups—is designed to improve the quality of care and long-term outcomes for patients with complex heart conditions, including those suffering from pulmonary hypertension.

Massetti’s advocacy for a balanced life, combining medical vigilance with emotional fulfillment, reflects a broader medical philosophy that views the patient not just as a set of genetic markers, but as an individual influenced by their social and emotional environment.