Cardiology practitioners to be honored Feb. 8 at U of A Women’s Basketball game

February is American Heart Month, making it a time to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women and people of most racial groups in the U.S. To spotlight the importance of heart health, University of Arizona Wildcat fans will wear red in support of the U of A Women’s Basketball team Saturday, Feb. 8.

During the Wildcat women’s matchup versus their instate rival, the Arizona State University Sun Devils, there’ll be another chance to underscore the heart health of women, of whom over 60 million (44%) in the U.S. live with some form of heart disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

To promote awareness of women’s heart health in particular, several cardiovascular disease practitioners at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson and Banner – University Medicine Tucson will be called down to be recognized on the hardwood during a break in the game at McKale Center for their efforts to lead the fight against heart disease through prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

They include two physicians and six nurse practitioners: 

• Iniya Rajendran, MBBS, MPH, assistant professor, Division of Cardiology, fellow, Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship, and member, Sarver Heart Center, with focus on preventive cardiology and women’s cardiovascular disease | UofA/Banner
• Elizabeth Juneman, MD, professor, Division of Cardiology, and medical director, Heart Failure & Transplantation Cardiology Program, and member, Sarver Heart Center | UofA/Banner

• Desiree Anguiz, FNP, Cardiology/General Cardiology | Banner
• Claudia Guerrero, FNP, Pediatric Cardiology | Banner
• Allison Klatt, FNP-BC, Interventional Cardiology/Structural Heart Program | UofA/Banner
• Judith Lyle, FNP, Cardiology/Preventive Cardiology | Banner
• Sharon Powell, AGNP-C, CCTC, Cardiology/Heart Failure Program | Banner
• Sarah Voll, ACNP, Cardiology/Electrophysiology Program | UofA/Banner

“These health experts are part of our dedicated cardiology team, committed to caring for the hearts of Southern Arizona,” noted Banner Health in a statement a few days before the game.

Tipoff for the U of A vs. ASU game is at 2 p.m. You can learn more about this year’s Wildcat Women’s Basketball team and purchase tickets here. Come cheer your colleagues at McKale Center!

And, remember, heart disease claims a life every 33 seconds in the U.S. Early detection and proactive management are key to improving heart health and saving lives. The U of A College of Medicine’s and Banner – University Medicine Tucson’s team of experts is dedicated to educating the community and providing exceptional cardiovascular care.

EXTRA: American Heart Health 

Learn more about how you can help improve heart health at this American Heart Association website. 

Oh, and there’s this from the Southern Arizona Roadrunners calendar: 
     Fine Valentine Relay – 4 Mile & 2 Mile + FitKidz Mile – Feb. 9, 2025, 8 a.m. | University of Arizona Main Gate
     Square, 865 E. University Ave.
     With a costume contest (think Cupid), a free mimosa or bloody Mary afterward, and free breakfast at Gentle Ben’s.

     REGISTER HERE!