'Go Red for Women' raises heart disease, stroke awareness

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Hundreds of people dressed in red filled a hotel ballroom hoping to deliver an important message to women: take care of your heart!

The Go Red for Women luncheon took place Friday at the Palmer House Hilton. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, and the symptoms are often different than what men experience.

Sarah Pazzol says she only experienced back pain before collapsing and going into full cardiac arrest while driving.

"I was pulled out of my car actually by a friend of mine. He performed CPR on me for over 10 minutes until paramedics were able to come resuscitate me," Pazzol said.

ABC7's Karen Jordan was emcee for Friday's luncheon. The goal of going red is to end heart disease and stroke.