The Carillon, the Captain Cook fountain, Old Parliament House and Parliament House were bathed in red light last night in support of the Heart Foundation's Go Red For Women campaign, which aims to raise awareness of heart disease.

Heart disease is the No1 cause of death in Australian women, a fact that will surprise many people, according to Heart Foundation ACT chief executive Tony Stubbs. On average heart disease is responsible for the death of 220 Australian women a week, or 31 a day.

"It is still widely believed that heart disease is typically an old man's disease. In fact, only three per cent of Australians are aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women," he said.

The National Capital Authority will sponsor the running of the jet fountain each evening as a symbol for women in Canberra at risk of the disease and chief executive Annabelle Pegrum said she supported the program wholeheartedly.

"This campaign is specifically targeted at women and it is of utmost importance they are aware of their health. As women, taking care of our hearts is of primary concern. The NCA is very pleased to support a campaign that focuses on healthy hearts," she said.

Women were four times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer, and Mr Stubbs said it was vital that more women were aware of the risks.

"It is essential that women have regular check ups and monitor their cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Adopting a smoke-free, healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a good and varied diet is optimal. We have had reports that women have waited up to six hours after having chest pains because they thought they weren't at risk of a heart attack," he said.

Although the campaign is run nationwide, Canberra is the only city to have monuments illuminated.

"The campaign was developed in response to the alarming statistics that affect women in this country. As well as awareness, we aim to raise essential funds to go towards research on heart disease. It is hoped that lighting the landmarks will make an impact and help reduce the number of women that die from the disease," Mr Stubbs said.

The four landmarks will be lit each evening this week and Canberrans are encouraged to show their support and wear a splash of red on Friday.