AZCN’s Guide to Heart Health

From the busy hours in our simulation labs to the wisdom shared in clinical rotations, the importance of cardiac health resonates deeply within the Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) community. Whether you are a student, faculty member, someone considering a career in healthcare, or just someone seeking to improve the depth of their wellness knowledge, understanding the heart and how to protect it is a lifelong skill.  

To help, we have broken down the essentials of cardiac care with insights from a few AZCN nursing leaders. 

Why Heart Health is a Priority 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States (US). In 2022, 1 in every 5 deaths in the US were caused by heart disease. 

Beyond the clinical statistics, there is a human element. Our mission at AZCN is to transform these numbers through education and early intervention.  

“As far as nursing-wise, cardiac is my love. I’ve always worked cardiac. It always seemed to come naturally,” said Jennivee Walsh, Assistant Dean of Nursing at AZCN’s Phoenix campus. “No matter which direction patients are going, it’s great to see them get where they need to be and for families to accept and to learn and grow from that.” 

These aren’t just statistics, but a representation of the patients you will monitor, the families you will comfort, and the communities you will serve. 

Understanding the Signs: Men vs Women 

At AZCN, we teach our students that a heart attack does not always look like it does in the movies, and the “textbook” symptoms don’t always apply to every patient. The American Heart Association emphasizes that women often experience symptoms that are “atypical,” and that don’t follow the “standard” rules. As a nurse, your ability to spot these differences can be lifesaving. 

For men, common symptoms include: 

• Classic Chest Pain: A feeling of heavy pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest 

• Radiating Pain: Pain that travels or moves into the left arm, neck, or jaw 

• Cold Sweats: Breaking out in a sweat without fever or physical exertion 

• Other Signs: Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness 

• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, waking up tired, and unusual sleep patterns can be red flags 

• Back or Jaw Pain: Pain located specifically between the shoulder blades or in the lower jaw, which can be gradual or sudden and easily dismissed as muscle strain or stress 

• Lightheadedness or Dizziness: A sudden onset can be a sign of a cardiac event 

• Chest Pain That’s Not Severe: It might feel more like pressure, tightness, or a dull ache, and can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety 

Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone, including those learning assessment skills, performing evaluations, or teaching the presentations of heart disease. 

Strategies to Reduce Your Risk 

You don’t need a nursing degree to start protecting your heart today. At AZCN, we stress the importance of prevention, encouraging our students to advise patients on risk reduction strategies. These strategies include: 

Blood Pressure Literacy: Teach patients how to monitor their blood pressure at home and the importance of medication adherence. Remember that a “normal reading” in the clinic may not reflect the daily reality of the patient. 

Using Food as Fuel: Guide patients toward heart-healthy diets that are accessible. Move beyond just “eating better” to provide actionable advice on reducing sodium and processed sugars. 

Smoking Cessation: Provide resources and support to help patients quit the leading preventable cause of heart disease. 

Cholesterol Management: Explain the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol, as well as strategies to maintain healthy levels through diet, exercise, and medication when necessary. 

Regular Physical Activity: Teach patients the importance of exercise. The CDC states that adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, as well as 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week. Even short bursts of activity throughout the day add up. 

Stress Management: Educate on healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or spending time outside. Chronic stress can significantly impact cardiovascular health. 

Support at AZCN 

Behind every successful cardiac nurse is a foundation of rigorous education and unwavering support. At AZCN, we pride ourselves on cultivating growth and a supportive environment for our students. Olivia Holt, Dean of Nursing at AZCN’s Tucson campus, knows that the journey from student to professional requires a strong heart and a supportive team. 

Moving Forward 

Whether you are looking to improve your own heart health or you feel called to join the ranks of nurses like Assistant Dean Walsh or Dean Holt, the time to act is now. Heart health is not just a topic that applies to one month a year, but it is a commitment we should make to ourselves every day. 

At AZCN, we are proud to support the next generation of nurses who will help change these statistics, one patient at a time. 

Information in this post is accurate as of February 9, 2026.

*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.