NATCHEZ &045;&045; In 2000, 366,000 American women died of heart disease.

Only 42,000 died of breast cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. Most American women &045;&045; 61 percent in a poll done last year &045;&045; assume breast cancer is the No. 1 killer, while only 9 percent recognize the danger of heart disease, said Sheri Rabb, director of marketing and public relations at Natchez Regional Medical Center.

In an effort to bring awareness to the No. 1 killer of women in America, local hospitals are holding various events this week.

Natchez Community Hospital’s new cardiologist Vikram Dulam will give a presentation designed strictly for women at noon today at the Natchez Convention Center. The seminar is already completely booked, with more than 150 people, Marketing Director Kay Ketchings said. Participants will receive materials on heart health and a free health screening.

Natchez Regional is expecting close to 200 women to show up Friday for Wear Red Day from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those who attend will receive a free health screening, heart healthy recipes and heart healthy snacks. Women who wear red can come back at 1:45 for lunch and choose from roasted chicken, baked catfish, broccoli and green beans with a drink.

The public is invited to attend, but large groups should call ahead to help with planning, Rabb said. Those who plan to have the health screening should fast starting at midnight Friday.

Wear Red Day was established by the American Heart Association as a way to advertise the dangers of heart disease. Men and women across the country are asked to wear red on Friday.

Ketchings said she recently attended a conference on the Red Dress Campaign in Jackson.

&uot;Breast cancer has the pink ribbon,&uot; she said. &uot;What better way than clothing for women to promote it.&uot; As part of the campaign, fashion designers like Vera Wang and Tommy Hilfiger designed red dresses that now travel the country as a means of promotion.