During the time frame studied, the number of deaths related to heart disease fell 28 percent. In contrast, cancer deaths dropped 16 percent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that cancer will replace heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States within two years.

According to this study heart disease is becoming better managed, especially by those who live in wealthier areas with better access to fresh foods and health care. While total overall deaths decreased about 12 percent during the 13 years analyzed, lower income areas continued to see greater disparity in deaths from both heart disease and cancer.

In higher-income counties, heart disease deaths fell 30 percent versus only 22 percent in lower-income counties. For cancer deaths, the drop in higher-income counties was 18 percent versus 11 percent in lower income areas.

As early as 2020, a shift is expected. The study predicts cancer will overtake heart disease as the leading cause of death for those in our nation who live in areas with higher incomes. The data suggest the change from heart disease to cancer as a leading cause of death will take longer in poorer areas.

Read the full study here.