In 2003, life expectancy in the United States hit a record high of 77.6 years-up from 77.3 years in 2002, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The gap between male and female life expectancy closed to 5.3 years. And preliminary death rates decreased for 8 of the 15 leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, suicide, flu/pneumonia, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and accidents/unintentional injuries. For more information, visit the CDC's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov.