Jun 20, 2002
Guidant Supports MayoClinic.com in Heart Disease Education

Relationship Advances Efforts to Increase Patient Awareness of Disease and Therapies

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced a strategic relationship with MayoClinic.com, in an effort to provide high quality information on cardiovascular disease and related therapies to patients and their families. MayoClinic.com is one of the most trusted health sites on the Internet, with more than two million unique visitors each month. As part of the agreement, Guidant will serve as the exclusive sponsor of MayoClinic.com''s Heart and Blood Vessels Center.

"An increasing number of patients are turning to the Internet to become more informed and involved in the medical decision-making process," said Fritz French, vice president, corporate marketing, Guidant Corporation. "Guidant is committed to working with physicians to ensure that patients receive high-quality, credible information about cardiac and vascular disease and related therapies. We are proud to support MayoClinic.com in its efforts to educate and inform patients with heart disease."

Harris Interactive estimates that last year alone over 100 million Americans went online for healthcare information an average of three times per month. This usage number is continuing to rapidly increase. According to a recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, the number of people using the Internet to obtain health information increased 36 percent from March 2000 to March 2001.

Guidant has established a series of alliances with high quality, trusted Internet-based health portals as part of an effort to reach cardiovascular disease patients and their families. In addition to MayoClinic.com, Guidant has established partnerships with HeartCenterOnline.com and Heart1.com. Through these relationships, Guidant reaches millions of patients with information to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease risk factors and therapeutic options for treatment.

About MayoClinic.com

MayoClinic.com is one of the most respected and credible consumer health sites on the web today. A qualified team of Mayo Clinic writers, editors, physicians and researchers develops content for the site, which receives more than two million unique visitors each month. MayoClinic.com is a service of the Mayo Foundation, a charitable, not-for-profit organization based in Rochester, Minn. Mayo Foundation''s mission is to provide the best care to every patient every day through patient care, education and research.

About Guidant Corporation

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 10,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life''s most threatening medical conditions. For more information visit www.guidant.com.