This excerpt is based on materials prepared by the CDC on heart disease and heart failure. Notice how the content and style of the messages is tailored differently for patients and professionals.

Key messages about heart disease—for patients

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Around 630,000 Americans die of heart disease each year. That’s more than one in every four deaths in this country.
• The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack.
• Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes also can increase your risk for heart disease. Ask your doctor about preventing or treating these medical conditions.
• Your doctor can perform several tests to diagnose heart disease, including chest X-rays, coronary angiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG), and exercise stress tests.

Adapted from: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/docs/ConsumerEd_HeartDisease.pdf.

Top-line message and supporting data on heart failure—for health professionals

• Around 5 million people in the United States have heart failure. About 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. More than 287,000 people in the United States die each year with heart failure.
• The most common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, and diabetes. About 7 of 10 people with heart failure had high blood pressure before being diagnosed. About 22 percent of men and 46 percent of women will develop heart failure within 6 years of having a heart attack.
• Heart failure is the most common reason for hospitalization among people on Medicare. Hospitalizations for heart failure are higher in black than white people on Medicare.
• The quality of life and life expectancy of persons with heart failure can be improved with early diagnosis and treatment. Treatment usually involves three to four medicines. Medicines used to treat heart failure include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin, and beta blockers.

Adapted from: http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/library/fs_heart_failure.htm.