Marylanders will be seeing red to promote awareness of heart disease during American Heart Month, which starts today.

“Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans — both men and women,” said Jeff Quartner, chief of cardiology at Union Memorial Hospital. “With that in perspective, it’s always good to get out information about heart disease and its development.”

One of the most visible initiatives will be National Wear Red Day on Friday, when people are encouraged to wear red as a reminder of the risks heart disease has for women.

“A lot of women don’t necessarily think of heart disease as their No. 1 killer,” said Simone McDowell, communications director for the American Heart Association. “But we knew it was time, heart disease was in their face, and that it can be prevented if they know the risk factors and the warning signs.”

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To add to the local awareness of American Heart Month, red lights are going to shine on the Washington Monument in Baltimore City starting Friday, McDowell said.

The American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute are two of the largest organizations that will promote the monthlong campaign to provide information about heart disease.

bmann@baltimoreexaminer.com