The Grand Staircase of the Statehouse turned scarlet on Thursday as Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, Senate President Robert Travaglini (D-Boston), heart disease survivors and spokespeople for the American Heart Association convened to commence the “Go Red for Women” campaign to inform women about heart disease.

Erica Meola, a personal trainer who works with the AHA, was diagnosed with heart disease as a child. She said that all women owe it to themselves to look out for warning signs.

“We’re worth it,” Meola said. “You have to start somewhere. You have to start today.”

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, killing about 480,000 women per year – more than the next six highest causes of death for women in the United States combined, including cancer cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and unintentional injuries, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention website.

Nearly all 80 guests and spectators at the event wore red clothing in support of the AHA’s cause. The Association also handed out pins in the shape of red dresses to raise awareness about heart health risks to women, according to the AHA website.

Healey presented the AHA with a proclamation from Gov. Mitt Romney declaring Feb. 3 “Wear Red for Women Day.”

Healey, whose father died of heart disease, said she felt strongly about the Go Red for Women program.

“I never once stopped to realize that heart disease affected more women than men,” Healey said.

Go Red for Women began in February 2004 as a grassroots campaign, and set out to raising awareness about heart disease as the leading cause of death for women in the United States. House Rep. Peter Koutoujian (D-Watertown) said the program provides information to the public in addition to raising research funds for heart disease in women.

Heart disease survivor and AHA spokeswoman Carolyn O’Donnell said she found out she had heart disease after her 60th birthday even though she maintained a healthy lifestyle, including running the Boston Marathon, golfing often and eating healthy.

She attributed overcoming heart disease three years ago to her supportive family and proper treatment and reminded the audience that heart disease symptoms are not always easily detected.

“Most of my symptoms were very subtle and very slight,” she said. “Don’t ignore them. Get them treated.”

Travaglini emphasized the importance of prevention and spoke of his experience with heart disease.

“I am a survivor of heart disease,” Travaglini said. “I’ve been down that road and it’s not fun. The AHA has got an ally in this guy.”

Heart disease affects people of all ages, AHA officials said, advising that men and women should get their cholesterol and blood pressure tested regularly starting at age 20.

A family history of heart disease and smoking increase chances of heart disease, but a healthy diet and regular exercise may help to prevent heart problems.