On January 15, 1996, South Texas Health System (STHS) Heart—then named McAllen Heart Hospital—opened as one of the earliest freestanding cardiovascular facilities in the United States and the first dedicated heart hospital in Texas.
The 60bed facility was founded to provide a progressive setting for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease—a highly prevalent condition in the Rio Grande Valley that affects roughly one in three adults, according to the National Institutes of Health, exceeding both national and state averages.
Over the last 30 years, STHS Heart has provided life-saving care to more than 200,000 patients and their families as the only freestanding heart facility in the four-county region, providing comprehensive services ranging from emergency services and interventional procedures to preventive treatment and management for cardiovascular patients from Brownsville to Roma and beyond.
See the gallery below for more images of the event: All photos are courtesy of STHS:
“Supported by advanced technology and clinical expertise, STHS Heart was established to deliver advanced, progressive cardiovascular care, including the emergency treatment of heart events,” says Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Heart. “This steadfast focus has allowed the facility to provide comprehensive medical intervention aimed at preserving heart muscle and ultimately saving lives. Our team is equipped with the tools and training necessary to deliver immediate, highlevel cardiac care across a variety of specialties, including interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure management, structural/valvular heart disease, cardiac imaging and intensive cardiac rehabilitation.”
To commemorate the facility’s three decades of serving as the heartbeat of the Valley, STHS Heart held a special community celebration on Thursday, February 12, that offered a look back on the facility’s rich history.
In 2025 alone, STHS Heart admitted more than 400 patients and provided timely care for nearly 7,500 patients in its emergency room, which features highly trained staff able to respond to and care for emergent heart events, along with all other needed emergency services. The facility also performed more than 300 openheart surgeries and nearly 2,500 cardiac catheterization procedures last year, including angioplasties, stenting, transcatheter aortic valve replacements and pacemaker implantations.
“I’ve seen tremendous growth at STSH Heart over my 15 years working at the facility,” says Carlos Giraldo, MD, FACC, a boardcertified interventional cardiologist with STHS Clinics, who spoke during the event. “We have continued to evolve and expand to meet the growing healthcare needs of our community surrounding cardiovascular disease, developing programs featuring advanced hemodynamic support options and increased our use of technologies like CardioMEMS, a valuable tool for monitoring heart failure. STHS Heart consistently pushes the envelope and adapts in ways that allow us to better support the population we proudly serve.”
During the high-spirited milestone event, which featured the participation of the McAllen High School drumline, McAllen Memorial High School drill team and the Nikki Rowe Mariachi Azteca, STHS Heart recognized its nearly 340 employees for their commitment to delivering highquality, compassionate care. Their dedication has contributed to the facility’s local, state and national acclaim, including recognition by Healthgrades as one of the top three hospitals in Texas and an America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention in 2026.
In addition, the STHS Heart AllStar Award was presented to four longtime staff members who have been with the facility since its inception: house supervisor Rhonda Bradley; Juan Munoz, a patient care tech in the ER; respiratory therapist Sandra Iracheta Rendon; and Rosa Gutierrez, a patient care tech in the cardiac cath lab.
“It’s important to pause and reflect on STHS Heart’s 30-year impact in the community and to honor the staff, physicians and partners who have helped us provide comprehensive care throughout the region. Our hearts are full as we celebrate this milestone,” says Ivory. “What matters most is the profound impact we’ve had on patients and families across the Rio Grande Valley—stories of hope, healing and second chances that continue to inspire our mission every day. This celebration is a tribute to the countless patients who have trusted us during their most vulnerable moments, as well as those who have stood beside us throughout this incredible journey. Their unwavering support has shaped who we are and fuels our commitment to expanding access to lifesaving cardiovascular care for the communities we are proud to serve.”
To learn more about the comprehensive services available at STHS Heart, visit www.sthsheart.com.
