Mortality Trends in Heart Failure and Pneumonia Among US Adults Aged 65 and Older: Analysis of CDC WONDER Data

From 1999 to 2018, HF and pneumonia mortality rates declined but rose again in 2020, potentially reflecting pandemic-related impacts and increased vulnerability in this population. Persistent disparities were observed across sex, race/ethnicity, geography, and urban-rural status. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies to reduce mortality and narrow disparities in older adults with HF and pneumonia.