Hatzalah Warns Community of Sharp Rise in Cardiac Emergencies, Urges Increased Awareness

By Yisroel R.

Hatzalah is issuing an urgent warning to the community following a sharp rise in heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and artery blockages caused by plaque buildup, seen across the community. In recent months, Hatzalah volunteers have responded to an alarming number of life-threatening cardiac incidents, many involving people who had no symptoms beforehand.

Hatzalah is urging residents of all ages to take their cardiac health seriously and schedule full yearly medical checkups that include blood work and heart-related evaluations. This is especially important for adults over age 40, and separately, for anyone with a family history of heart disease. Community askanim note that routine well visits often do not include cardiac screening unless specifically requested.

Medical professionals say several factors are driving the rise in cardiac emergencies.

A strong family history of heart issues is one major factor, but many cases also come from people skipping yearly well visits, which allows silent conditions to go unnoticed for years. Diabetes and being overweight or obese significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and artery blockages. Doctors emphasize that yearly well visits, knowing one’s numbers, monitoring sugar intake, and maintaining a consistent exercise routine can greatly reduce long-term risk and prevent many of these emergencies.

Medical professionals report that many recent cardiac events involved untreated high blood pressure, uncontrolled cholesterol, undiagnosed diabetes, or significant plaque buildup in the arteries. These conditions can develop silently for years without causing pain or warning signs.

According to Hatzalah coordinator Moshe Nussen Braver, there has been a notable surge in cardiac emergencies this year, affecting even younger individuals. Braver stressed that regular checkups and early intervention can help prevent many of these cases. He also emphasized the importance of visiting one’s primary care doctor, stating that it can make a real difference, particularly among young people.

To help clarify the urgency, Dr. Jeffrey Bander, MD, FACC, Chief of Cardiology at Mount Sinai West, explained that the most important step is knowing your numbers such as cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure. “Family history is even more important,” he said. “For many people over 40 with risk factors, a cardiac CT scan is the best way to detect plaque early. It can literally prevent a heart attack the next day.”

Israel Rosman, Hatzolah paramedic Senior Patient/Physician Liaison at NYU Langone Hospital in Manhattan, said he’s seeing a troubling trend. “People in their 30s and 40s are coming in with irreversible cardiac damage. These conditions can be managed, but they can’t be undone, and they affect longevity and quality of life. Today in our community, more people die from cardiac issues than from cancer. This is preventable if people take yearly checkups seriously.”

Doctors and community askanim are also urging residents to establish a relationship with a primary care doctor rather than relying on urgent care centers for routine exams. They explain that while urgent care can access medical records, a primary care doctor who follows a patient consistently can recognize patterns, track changes over time, and provide more personalized guidance. Urgent care, they note, is not a substitute for a yearly well visit with a primary care physician.

“We’re seeing too many cases that could have been prevented,” said Makdim founder Chaim Fleischer. “Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Everyone should have a primary care doctor who knows your history and sees you every year. A simple well-visit with your primary doctor can save your life. And remember, an urgent care visit is not a well-visit.”

Hatzalah responders emphasize that many calls they attend could have been avoided with early detection. Mild symptoms were ignored or people assumed that feeling fine meant being healthy.

The message from Hatzalah and medical experts remains clear:

Get checked. Know your numbers. Don’t wait for symptoms. One visit can save your life.