Chamber Orchestra Ogden (COO) went red to promote American Heart Month for the Red Dress Concert presented by the Union Station Foundation and Ogden Regional Medical Center on Feb. 28.

About 300 people of all ages attended the concert held in the Browning Theater of Ogden’s Union Station. Each wore red articles of clothing to support heart health of both men and women.

As a heart-healthy snack before the show began, platters of small fruit kabobs were served to the crowd as people were seated. Found on every chair in the audience was a red, heart-shaped stress ball reading “Heart Attack? Call 9-1-1″ and a handout listing common heart attack symptoms for women.

Darryl and Angela Armstrong were part of the concert’s audience. This was their first time attending a red dress event promoting heart health.

Darryl is among the many who have survived a heart attack. He now has a pacemaker, which helps control abnormal heart rhythms by using low-energy electrical pulses.

Both agreed that it has been a difficult time for them, but by taking his prescribed medications and altering his exercise and diet, he was removed from the list of patients needing a heart transplant.

Angela’s father died of heart failure, so being aware of her health is also on the top of her list.

“It’s something that people put in the back of their minds,” she said. “I try and listen to my body … and not wait until it’s an emergency.”

The Armstrongs said exercise is one of the biggest influences that has helped them lead healthier lives. The couple is also part of the pet therapy team at Ogden Regional Medical Center, where they volunteer every Friday.

After the orchestra performed its first and second pieces, Kristy Chambers, chest pain and stroke coordinator at Ogden Regional Medical Center, spoke about the importance of recognition and prevention of heart disease. Chambers said heart disease is the no. 1 national and global killer. She also told the audience that it is the no. 1 killer of women.

“There’s a lot that we can do about it,” she said. “If we can recognize those early symptoms, then it’s that much better.”

The Ogden Regional coordinator reminded the crowd how important it is for people to be on top of their health and understand the symptoms and consequences to heart disease.

Chambers said she wanted to be present during her children and grandchildren’s lives. Furthermore, she wants to be around for the lives of her unborn grandchildren.

“I want to see many more sunrises and sunsets,” she said. “I want to listen to many more beautiful concerts.”

At the end of the concert, Amy Clarke, wife to COO’s assistant concertmaster Dale Clarke, said she was pleased with the music and information of the evening.

“I think it was great,” she said. “It’s one of the most professional groups I’ve heard.”

The orchestra performed pieces “Grieg: Heart Wounds and the Last Spring, Opus 34;” “Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1, first movement” and “Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in c, Opus 67.”

Red roses were handed out to the audience as they left the theater as a reminder to be conscious about heart health.

For more information about the Concert Orchestra Ogden visit www.chamberorchestraogden.org.