Arthur Klatsky (1929 – 2023).
Dr. Arthur Klatsky, a cardiologist and epidemiologist, died April 30 from complications of multiple myeloma and Parkinson’s disease. A child of the Great Depression, Dr. Klatsky was born in the Bronx, NY, on October 24, 1929, known as “Black Thursday.” His parents, Martin and Rose Klatsky, were both attorneys. He graduated from Yale University, Magna Cum Laude in 1950 and graduated from Harvard Medical School with honors in 1954. From 1956 – 1958, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps.
From 1961–1999, Dr. Klatsky practiced as an internist and cardiologist in the Oakland Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, establishing one of the first Coronary Care Units in the Bay Area. He served as Chief of Cardiology for 20 years.
In 1974, Dr. Klatsky authored the first modern epidemiological report showing lower heart attack risk for alcohol drinkers than for abstainers. In 1977, he published one of the first reports indicating heavier alcohol consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure. The publication was cited by the National Institute of Health as one of 16 seminal articles in alcohol research.
His interests included a lifelong love of classical music, travel, hiking and running. Together with his wife Eileen, he did many footraces, including six marathons. In 1989, they climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
He was grateful to many people in the Oakland and San Francisco Kaiser Permanente facilities for much superb care. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eileen; two children, Jennifer and Benjamin; three grandchildren, Gabriel (Katie), Rebecca, and Joshua Ferrer and his brother Stephen.
At his request, burial will be private. Anyone wishing to offer a gesture of respect can make a charitable contribution to Doctors Without Borders in his honor. Alternatively, or additionally, they might purchase a good bottle of wine and dedicate the first glass to his memory.
