Women strut for heart health

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Pageant queens in crimson sashes, survivors carrying bright "Go Red" signs and even the assistant manager of Macy's strutted down a catwalk and across the Beverly Center to celebrate Friday's National Go Red For Women Day.

The "Strut for the Heart" rally, hosted by the American Heart Association, unified Los Angeles women trying raise awareness about heart disease.

Makresha Reneau is the founder of Journey Sisters, a group of professional women who've been touched by heart disease and HIV/AIDS. Several of her family members have battled the disease.

"I think people don't realize that women - a lot of women die each year from heart attacks. and you know, we don't even know the signs, we don't know the warning signs or the symptoms. so anything we can do to make people aware..."

Reneau said most of her family's cases were caused by high blood pressure or high cholesterol. But about 70 percent of these cases may be preventable.

Sheila Kar, clinical chief of cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, says a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for staying physically healthy.

But it's important to have a healthy heart figuratively, too.

"And most of all, the biggest prescription, I would say, is, have fun. One needs to de-stress, de-clutter their minds from negative thoughts... so it's very important to spend some amount of time for relaxation. and remember that if you do not spend time for health, you will end up spend time on disease."

And today really is about having fun, says Makesha Reneau.

"I like the fact that all these women from different walks of life are coming together for one single cause, to make people aware. And I'm hoping to see some people in hot shoes!"

Felicia Johnson lost her mother to heart disease. Her boutique, Shoe Fanatix, donated some of the shoes in today's walk..

"I'm just hoping honestly to see a lot of ladies out here in support of the heart association. Any support that they show will definitely reach out to others who aren't here today and will inspire them to get out and support and continue to spread the word."

The American Heart Association's national holiday, "Go Red for Women Day," is tomorrow.