Heart disease and stroke deaths see decline since 1999

According to a recent compilation of data by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease and stroke deaths in the U.S. actually went down 25 percent from 1999 to 2005.

When first hearing this, it's hard to believe. From my subjective experience, American adults became heavier and more unhealthy in that time period, which should have increased death rates from those conditions. Never underestimate medical technology, though.

In the year 2005, that drop accounts for about 160,000 fewer deaths in the U.S. The only problem is that American Heart Association President Dr. Dan Jones does not think the decline will last.

Dr. Jones said "I don't think we should assume continued progress ... in some areas, there has been little or no progress. For example, if you look at child obesity and the increasing rates of diabetes and heart disease that will come from that -- well, unless we get that under control we will see a leveling off or worsening of heart disease and stroke death rates in days to come."