Mega Doctor News
South Texas Health System (STHS) Heart officially opened on January 15, 1996, as one of the earliest freestanding cardiovascular facilities in the United States and the first dedicated heart hospital in Texas.
Designed to offer a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional hospital settings for cardiovascular emergencies, the 60-bed facility provided an excellent and efficient setting for the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, a major, high-prevalence health problem in the Rio Grande Valley, with approximately 1 in 3 adults affected, exceeding national and Texas state averages, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Three decades later, the facility—formerly known as McAllen Heart Hospital—has evolved to offer comprehensive cardiovascular care, ranging from interventional procedures to preventive treatment and management.
To date, STHS Heart has provided life-saving cardiovascular care to more than 200,000 patients and their families as the only freestanding heart facility in the four-county region, including programs and services across a variety of subspecialties like interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure management, structural/valvular heart disease, cardiac imaging and intensive cardiac rehabilitation.
“STHS Heart was established to deliver advanced, progressive cardiovascular care, including emergency treatment of heart events, that’s supported by advanced technology and clinical expertise,” says Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Heart. “This unwavering focus allows the facility to provide comprehensive medical interventionaimed at preserving heart muscle and ultimately saving lives. Our team is equipped with the tools and training to deliver immediate, highlevel cardiac care.”
To commemorate 30 years of serving as the heartbeat of the Valley, STHS Heart will host a special community celebration on Thursday, February 12, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the main parking lot of the facility.
The milestone event will look back on the 30 years of exceptional care at STHS Heart, including some of the all-star staff members and physicians who have helped the facility become a nationally recognized institution that provides quality, compassionate care for residents across the four-county region and beyond, including its recent designation by Healthgrades as one of the top three hospitals in Texas and an America’s 100 Best Hospitals for coronary intervention in 2026.
“As we reflect on 30 years of exceptional cardiovascular care, we’re most proud of the impact we’ve made on the lives of families across the Rio Grande Valley,” says Ivory. “This celebration honors the countless patients who have entrusted us with their care, as well as the physicians, clinical and support staff, partners and community leaders who have walked alongside us. Their support has shaped our journey while inspiring us to continue expanding access to lifesaving cardiovascular care for the communities we proudly serve.”
The community celebration is open to the public. For complete details, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. If you’d like to RSVP to attend, please email STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.
To learn more about the comprehensive services available at STHS Heart, visit www.sthsheart.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Heart |
| What: | 30th Anniversary Celebration |
| When: | Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Main Parking LotSouth Texas Health System Heart1900 S. D St.McAllen, TX 78503 |
