Jeremiah Stamler, MD, often described as “the father or preventive cardiology,” died at his home on Jan. 26. He was 102 years old.
Stamler played a pivotal role in educating the general public about the risk factors associated with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, high-fat diets and smoking. Many of his findings were viewed a controversial at the time, according to a news release from the American Heart Association, but he never backed down.
Stamler was also a key supporter of the Mediterranean diet, which is now viewed by many experts as the best diet a person can follow for their heart health.
“It is no exaggeration to say that few people in history have had as great an impact on human health,” Donald Lloyd-Jones, MD, chair of the department of preventive medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and president of the AHA, said in the news release. “Jerry was a giant intellect and led in defining new prevention concepts right up until his last days. He was always innovating, and he was a kind and gentle soul who believed in people.”
Stamler was born in 1919 and earned his medical degree in 1943 from the Long Island College of Medicine. He also joined the army, serving as a radiologist near the end of World War II.
He went on to focus on cardiovascular issues with his research, presenting evidence to the public about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and authoring or co-authoring more than 2,000 peer-reviewed manuscripts.
In addition to his medical contributions, Stamler is also remembered by friends, family and colleagues for his sharp wit and honesty.
“He was a straightforward, unpretentious man who valued people for whatever their interests in him were,” Van Horn added.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.