Major catastrophes, such as earthquakes and wars, have been associated with short-term increases in cardiac mortality. We investigated whether the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were associated with increased cardiac mortality in New York City. We analyzed death certificate data in New York City for the time period around September 11, 2001. Compared with control years, there was no excess mortality from cardiac causes in the month after September 11, 2001. Also, there was no increase in death from cerebrovascular disease. In conclusion, there was no disproportionate increase in cardiovascular mortality after the terrorist attacks.