Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking a life every 34 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet it’s often called a silent killer because many people have no symptoms until the disease has progressed.
“While chest pain is a hallmark symptom of heart disease, other, less well-known warning signs can be overlooked, including a persistent cough, feeling unusually tired despite getting adequate rest and swelling in the ankles, feet or legs,” says Carlos Giraldo, MD, FACC, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with South Texas Health System (STHS) Clinics. “Meanwhile, certain populations are also more likely to experience atypical heart disease symptoms, including women, people with diabetes and older adults. Instead of experiencing severe chest pain, these groups often present with subtler symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, back or jaw discomfort or indigestion.”
Untreated cardiovascular disease can lead to severe, life-threatening complications, including heart failure, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death.
“Over time, heart disease causes chronic symptoms that significantly reduce quality of life and increase the risk of premature death,” says Dr. Giraldo. “That’s why it’s important to protect your heart health by managing chronic conditions, understanding your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and getting regular medical check-ups.”
This American Heart Month, STHS Heart will host a special community expo to help raise awareness about heart disease in the Rio Grande Valley, a region that continues to experience higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity that contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Entitled “Healthy Heart Expo,” the event will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the main lobby of the STHS Clinics Heart Clinics building at 500 E. Ridge Rd. in McAllen.
During the event, attendees will be able to learn about the warning signs and symptoms of heart disease, explore heart-healthy exercise and cooking tips and receive information on local resources and services that can help prevent, treat and overcome cardiovascular disease.
"Becoming educated about heart disease is essential for early detection, prevention and effective long-term management," says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations for South Texas Health System. "When individuals understand their risk factors and recognize the signs and symptoms, they’re better prepared to make healthier choices, take control of their health and seek care when it matters most. Our Healthy Heart Expo is designed to empower the Rio Grande Valley community with the knowledge and resources they need to get heart healthy and stay healthy."
The event is free and open to the public; no RSVP is needed. To learn more about the Healthy Heart Expo, visit the STHS Facebook Events page or contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2033 or via email at STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.
Who: South Texas Health System Heart
What: Healthy Heart Expo: Free Community Event
When: Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Main Lobby South Texas Health System Clinics Heart Clinic 500 E. Ridge 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 freestanding 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.
