Mega Doctor News
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with one person succumbing every 33 seconds to cardiovascular issues.
Contrary to widespread belief, heart disease can affect people of all ages, including younger adults. While it’s more prevalent in older adults, with congestive heart failure occurring 10 times more often in people over the age of 75 than younger adults, per the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for people aged 45 and older.
Alarmingly, heart disease is on the rise among younger adults in the United States – particularly heart failure and heart attacks – due to widespread obesity numbers across the country and mounting rates of hypertension.
In 2012, the heart failure-related mortality rate of about 82 deaths per 100,000 people began to rise, reaching 106 per 100,000 by 2021, according to a study published in JAMA Cardiology.
Meantime, heart attack deaths among people between 25 and 44 increased by 29.9% over the first two years of the pandemic, according to a study by Cedars Sinai hospital.
“In addition to the increasing obesity and high blood pressure rates among people of all ages, including those in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the disruptions and delays in medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic only added fuel to the fire,” says Deborah Meeks, Chief Nursing Officer, South Texas Health System Heart, the Valley’s only freestanding cardiac hospital and dedicated heart emergency room. “Today, we’re seeing these young adults reporting to our emergency room experiencing issues usually found in older people! Early detection of heart disease is vital so that patients can begin receiving treatment to manage the disease. It’s the best way to improve outcomes and reverse this trend.”
To help raise awareness for heart disease in the Rio Grande Valley, highlight the rise in cases in people under the age of 65 and promote the importance of early intervention and leading a heart-healthy lifestyle, South Texas Health System Heart will dedicate its annual Heroes with Heart 5K to young adults who’ve survived and thrived in their battle with the life-threatening disease.
In observance of American Heart Month, this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, February 22, on the STHS Heart campus in McAllen.
“The increased prevalence of heart disease in young adults highlights the importance of promoting heart-healthy behaviors like eating a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight at a young age,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “Education is the key to preventing and treating heart disease and improving overall cardiovascular health, so we’re inviting the entire Rio Grande Valley to not only join us in taking those crucial steps toward healthy living at our Heroes with Heart 5K but help us educate the community about the importance of being heart smart!”
Registration for the run/walk is now open, but the early bird deadline is fast approaching. Those who haven’t yet committed to improving their heart health are encouraged to sign up before Friday, January 17, to receive the benefits of early registration, including confirmation of a race t-shirt, bib and medal for a fee of $25.
The last day to register for the race is Thursday, February 20, at 12:00 p.m. for a fee of $35. But signing up after the early bird deadline doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive a shirt and medal.
To help Valley children understand the importance of heart-healthy living, all proceeds from this year’s Heroes with Heart 5K will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Mission and the Boys & Girls Club of Weslaco.
For complete race details and to register, visit sthsactive.com. For more information, contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2020 or sthsmarketing@uhsinc.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Heart |
| What: | Heroes with Heart 5K Run/Walk |
| When: | Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 a.m. |
| Where: | South Texas Health System Heart 1900 South D StreetMcAllen, TX 78503 |
