Fri., Feb. 6 marks 'Go Red for Women Day,' which aims to raise awareness of heart disease in women.
The disease is the number one killer among Americans and kills one in three women annually, according to the American Heart Association.
Lehigh Valley Health Network marked the occasion with a luncheon Friday, bringing together doctors and former patients.
"We're not only celebrating women's heart health, but some pioneering women who were patients here at Lehigh Valley Health Network," said Dr. Raymond Singer.
Singer referred to women like 82-year-old Grace Miller, of Boyertown, who was 80 when she was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, or blockage of the aortic valve.
Other health complications limited how doctors could treat her condition. She was not a candidate for open heart surgery.
"So we had a new procedure. The transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVAR) procedure was performed through a small incision and she was able to go home in just a few days," Singer said.
Miller credited Singer for saving her life, and said she's grateful for how the procedure has impacted her life.
"I don't do no speed running, but I get up, I can go out and go shopping," Miller said.
Though paying tribute to those women who survived heart disease, Singer said the occasion is also important for educating Americans.
"We tend to think of it as a middle aged man's disease," Singer said.
Though men and women are both affected by the condition, Singer said women sometimes experience different symptoms, as was the case, he said, with WFMZ's Melanie Falcon.
"She had a very serious problem with her aortic valve," Singer said.
Melanie underwent open heart surgery and has fully recovered. She's now expecting her first child.
While an early diagnosis is key in treating the disease, Singer said prevention also plays a big role.
"I often refer to the three E's: eating, exercise and emotion. It's important to concentrate on all three," Singer said.
Friday's event also came with a special announcement for the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
After a $5 million donation from Charles Chrin, an Easton businessman and former patient, the facility renamed its heart and vascular center the "Charles Chrin Heart and Vascular Center."
Doctors with the network said the donation will allow healthcare professionals to provide more educational services and continue to invest in the most modern medical technologies.
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