‘Wear red for heart health’ women’s basketball game touts U of A cardiology practitioners

The University of Arizona women’s basketball team showed a lot of heart in its “thrilling” 66-59 win over Arizona State University on Saturday, Feb. 8, with a season high 8,370 attendees at McKale Center. The win continued a six-game streak versus ASU to keep the territorial cup in Tucson. See the mini-photo gallery from the game below. 

Perhaps it was the traditional enthusiasm about facing the in-state rival Sun Devils.

Perhaps it was because, on the day after National Wear Red Day, Wildcats fans sported red en masse to support Arizona Women’s Basketball and help spread the word about women’s heart health.

Perhaps it was the support of and for several local female cardiovascular medicine professionals who were honored at the game. They included two U of A College of Medicine – Tucson and Banner – University Medicine physicians and six nurse practitioners associated with the Division of Cardiology and Sarver Heart Center pictured above (left to right) and listed below:

• Sharon Powell, AGNP-C, CCTC, Cardiology/Heart Failure Program | 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);
• 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;
• Judith Lyle, FNP, Cardiology/Preventive Cardiology | Banner;
• Sarah Voll, ACNP, Cardiology/Electrophysiology Program | UofA/Banner; and
• Elizabeth Juneman, MD, professor, Division of Cardiology, and medical director, Heart Failure & Transplantation Cardiology Program, and member, Sarver Heart Center | UofA/Banner.

Their introduction at center court during the game was in recognition of February as American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. In women, heart disease accounts for 1 in 5 deaths – with risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), and stress.

“Heart disease in women presents differently than in men which leads to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis,” Dr. Rajendran said. “Chest pain coming from the heart may be experienced in the jaw, arms, upper back or abdomen. There can also swelling, nausea or even fatigue. If it crosses your mind that something that you’re experiencing maybe heart related, then that’s reason enough to get checked out by one of us.”

For more on the topic, see this Facebook reel from Dr. Rajendran. To schedule an appointment, call (520) 694-8888.

Throughout the game, heart health facts were displayed on the jumbotron, reminding fans of the importance of prevention and early detection for effective treatment. It was underscored that heart disease takes a life every 33 seconds in the U.S., but awareness and proactive care can make all the difference.

“We are proud of our team of heart health experts and leaders who are dedicated to improving heart health in our community,” said Banner – University Medicine Tucson, which is a sponsor of the team and U of A Athletics, in a statement after the game.

“This Heart Month, do your part and love your heart.”

MINI-PHOTO GALLERY *
* Click on images to enlarge. Rollover image with mouse for captions.

   

   

(Photos courtesy of Nikai Salcido, Banner – University Medicine Tucson, and University of Arizona Athletics)

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“Cardiology practitioners to be honored Feb. 8 at U of A Women’s Basketball game” | Posted Feb. 6, 2025