February is National Heart Health Month and Friday was National Wear Red Day.

Women and men gathered Friday morning to kick off the Go Red For Women Campaign to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

"Go Red for Women is our movement to empower women to take charge of their lives and live heart healthier lives and to know their risks for heart disease," said American Heart Association Director Heather Cross.

One in three women in the U.S. will die from heart disease.

"Heart disease is the number one killer of women nationwide and Go Red for Women stands for empowering women.  By wearing this red pin, you're committing to love your heart."

The first step to going red is to talk to your doctor to understand the risk factors.

"Visit your doctor on a regular basis.  Know your family history and take care of yourself with a good diet and exercise," said Barbara Ducatman, Director of WVU women's health.

"Eat healthy, exercise and learn about these silent symptoms that are different from men.  We often hear about men's symptoms with heart heaviness and everything.  We need to learn that women's symptoms are different and to pay attention to ourselves," said WVU's first lady Beth Clements.

This campaign tries to empower women with the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves and reduce the risks of heart disease.  

"Go see your doctor.  Have a check up, know your numbers, go to our Go Red for Women website.  We've got heart health checks.  Once you know your numbers you can put some information in and you'll get a wealth of information and education about heart disease and what you can really do to help lower your risk," said Heather Cross.

If you would like to find out the risks of heart disease and learn more, please log onto goredforwomen.org.

They have another event coming up on February 23. 

The "City Goes Red" will take place at Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa from 5-7 p.m.  It costs $15 and for more information, you can call the local chapter of the Heart Association at 680-4110.