Doctors and administrators at Montefiore Medical Center took steps to fight heart disease during Heart Month this February.

Hospital employees took strides toward healthy living in the "Montefiore Mile" walk on an indoor, 1-mile track. Exercise is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of heart disease, according to health experts.

They say heart disease is preventable. Symptoms include lingering weakness, shortness of breath and chest and back pain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for a third of deaths daily.

Health experts also recommend a healthy diet and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure levels to reduce the chances of developing heart disease.