First of all, the overall mortality rate from all causes decreased by 54% between 1900 and 2010 in the US, so that's awesome. But also, back in 1900, the mortality rates for pneumonia/influenza, gastrointestinal infections, and tuberculosis were ALL higher than rates for heart disease. Today, improvements in public health have dramatically reduced the risk of dying from TB, pneumonia/influenza, and gastrointestinal infections in the US. Modern medicine already saves countless lives, and it continues to improve.