Heart disease remains one of the most significant health challenges facing Americans, particularly older adults.
An estimated 127.9 million U.S. adults are living with a cardiovascular condition, according to the American Heart Association, representing nearly half of the nation's adult population.
Among individuals aged 65 and older, nearly 77% are affected.
A combination of physiological changes and chronic health conditions contributes to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease later in life.
"As the body ages, blood vessels naturally become stiffer and less elastic, forcing the heart to pump against higher resistance," says Federico Azpurua, MD, FACC, an interventional cardiologist with South Texas Health System (STHS) Clinics. "This process is often accelerated by long-term metabolic conditions such as prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, all of which place additional strain on the cardiovascular system."
As the nation's leading cause of death, heart disease claims a life every 33 seconds. While these statistics are sobering, many cardiovascular conditions can be prevented, delayed or effectively managed through healthy lifestyle choices, routine screenings and timely medical intervention.
"One of the most important steps older adults can take is to be proactive about their health," says Dr. Azpurua. "Regular checkups, monitoring key risk factors and addressing concerns early can lead to earlier diagnoses and more effective treatment. The sooner a cardiovascular condition is identified, the greater our ability to prevent complications and help patients maintain their independence and quality of life."
To help older adults take charge of their cardiovascular health, STHS is partnering with Prominence Health to host the annual Beat It! Heart Disease Symposium on World Heart Day, Tuesday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the South Texas College Health Science Professions Campus (Building B) in McAllen.
The free community event will offer expert guidance, educational resources and practical strategies to help participants better understand cardiovascular disease and make informed decisions that support lifelong heart health.
The symposium will feature senior-focused educational sessions led by local healthcare professionals, exercise demonstrations tailored specifically for older adults by the STHS Rehabilitation Services team and heart-healthy nutrition presentations from the STHS McAllen Dietary Department.
“Heart disease continues to have a significant impact across South Texas, where rates of obesity, diabetes and other chronic health conditions remain among the highest in the state," says Tom Castañeda, System Director of
Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Through education and prevention initiatives like the Beat It! Heart Disease Symposium, we're equipping older adults with the knowledge and tools they need to make healthier choices, reduce their risk factors and enjoy a better quality of life as they age."
The symposium will feature senior-focused educational sessions led by local healthcare professionals, exercise demonstrations tailored specifically for older adults by the STHS Rehabilitation Services team and heart-healthy nutrition presentations from the STHS McAllen Dietary Department.
The event will feature educational seminars in both English and Spanish, with content tailored specifically for older adults and caregivers. Admission is free and open to the public, although registration is strongly encouraged. For more information, visit the STHS Facebook Events page.
Who: South Texas Health System & Prominence Health
What: Beat It! Heart Disease Symposium
When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Health Science Professions Campus (Building B) South Texas College 1901 S. McColl Rd. McAllen, TX 78503
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About Prominence Health
Prominence Health began in 1993 as a health maintenance organization (HMO) and became of a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) in 2014. They provide coverage to more than 60,000 fully insured, self-funded and Medicare Advantage members throughout Nevada and parts of Texas. Prominence operates seven Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in California, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C., which are managed care systems that benefit communities by providing coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients. For more information about Prominence Health, visit ProminenceHealthPlan.com or ProminenceMedicare.com.
