BOSTON - February is American Heart Month where all people, but especially women, are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health.

At the Massachusetts State House this week, state Senate President Karen Spilka shared her story of survival and encouraged others to take their health seriously.

Legislators from all over the state gathered on the grand staircase this week wearing all shades of red to promote heart health and encourage everyone to take their health seriously.

“Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men," Spilka said. "I think all of you know, a few years ago I was one of them. Thankfully, I caught it early, got the medical attention I needed. I'm here today to be able to see first-hand why raising awareness for this is so critically important.

Spilka had a mild stroke in 2021 and was luckily able to make a full recovery. But it's because of that experience that she champions the American Heart Association and was touched by all the legislators wearing red.

“I support 'Go Red for Women' and I encourage all of us, encourage women, to take charge of their health and take charge of their heart health in particular,” Spilka said. “I urge all residents to show their support for women and their fight against heart disease by increasing awareness, speaking out about heart disease and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.”

According to the American Heart Association, receiving CPR while waiting for help to arrive can double the chance of survival during a cardiac event. Something tangible that anyone can do is learn how to give compressions.

“If you compress on someone's chest, you can actually help to keep someone alive until paramedics get there,” said state Rep. Christine Barber, D- 34^th Middlesex. “So together, we can save lives.”

Anyone interested in taking a CPR class in-person or online can do so through the American Heart Association.