For Valentín Fuster, one of the world’s leading experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine, the heart and brain do not function as isolated units.. The director of the National Cardiovascular Research Center (CNIC) and the Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Institute believes that physical health is inextricably linked to emotional stability.
The 82-year-old doctor summarized his experiences in a clear premise: “Happy people are healthier”. However, Fuster makes it clear that happiness is not a gift of chance, but a behavior that is trained and built every day.
To achieve this balance, The specialist proposes a scheme based on four fundamental pillars, the so-called “four A’s”, which must be built on the basis of personal maturity, time for reflection and recognition of one’s own talent..
In your suggestion Authenticity plays a crucial role. The cardiologist insists on the need be the same person under all circumstancesno matter whether morning, afternoon or evening.
This coherence avoids the mental exhaustion that comes with wearing social “masks.”. Social psychology supports this view: Dissonance between who we are and how we show up is a predictor of stress, while authenticity is directly linked to vitality.
Fuster illustrates this by reminding us that in extreme situations like a heart attack, hierarchies disappear: a president and a humble man from Harlem “are the same person.”
The second pillar is attitude. Far from denying reality, The doctor suggests a proactive vision. “I find barriers, but I will solve them”is the sentence that summarizes this position. It’s not about ignoring problems, but about facing them without falling into passivity.
From a scientific point of view it is This perception of self-efficacy helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, thereby protecting the cardiovascular system.. Added to this is acceptance, an antidote to modern frustration.
Fuster criticizes the tendency to constantly compare yourself with others. He gives an illustrative example: If a neighbor has a luxury car like a Maserati and you don’t, the mental reaction should be a simple “So what?” be. Science shows that avoiding these comparisons frees up cognitive resources and reduces brain activity associated with feelings of threat.
The fourth and perhaps most crucial element for Fuster is this altruism. His conclusion is blunt: “The happiest people are those who give, not those who receive.” Feeling useful and collaborating with others is an important purpose that stabilizes emotions.
Modern neurobiology confirmed that generous acts activate the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s reward center, and produce satisfaction that does not depend on external applause..
To successfully apply these four keys, Fuster emphasizes the importance of having leaders in life. He himself remembers how a sentence from Dr. Farreras Valentí marked his fate when he told him: “You will be a great doctor.” This type of external validation, in addition to introspection, allows us to approach challenges with confidence.
The expert warns that longevity and well-being depend not only on advanced medicine, but also on individual and collective responsibility. Fuster criticizes resistance to laws aimed at protecting public health, such as tobacco or obesity regulations, and reminds us that commitment to healthy habits is an essential part of this constructed happiness.
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