Eric's Heart Story

Mayor elects Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center for heart surgery

Eric Jablin, heart patient, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center

Before Eric Jablin became mayor of Palm Beach Gardens, he experienced a life-threatening incident he will never forget.  It happened while in the shower – he suddenly became extremely dizzy and started to lose consciousness. Home alone, he managed to call 911 and an ambulance rushed him to the emergency room at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. The doctors discovered he was in anaphylactic shock as a result of a serious allergic reaction. However, as they were treating him, they found something even more troubling. 

Jablin had a 90% blockage in one artery leading to his heart and a more than 50% blockage in two other arteries, resulting in the need for surgery. As devastating as the news was, coronary artery disease ran in his family, so he always knew it was a possibility.

“I feel lucky that the doctors caught the blockage when they did,” he says. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here today.”

After his diagnosis, his family tried to convince him to have the procedure done in New York where he grew up.  However, after doing research, he decided to put his trust in Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, known for being one of the premier cardiac facilities in the area and near his new home.

“I had a triple bypass and was in the hospital for at least 10 days,” says Mayor Jablin, who was 48 at the time. “It took almost a year, but with the support of my doctors, the staff and my wonderful family, I was able to make a full recovery.”

Since the surgery, Jablin has made a dramatic lifestyle change to avoid future heart problems. While he still feels some numbness in his chest from the surgery, he has been able to lead a normal life due to the high quality medical care he received.

“My family is the most important thing to me, so their support was crucial in both my recovery and my run for civic leadership.”

About two years later, he was elected to Palm Beach Gardens’ city council, where he has been a member for the past 23 years. He currently serves as mayor and enjoys having the opportunity to give back to the city where his life was saved.

 “I owe my life to the doctors and nurses at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center,” says Mayor Jablin. “They are my heroes.”