New research has highlighted the benefits of shingles vaccinations, revealing a potential link to reduced risks of heart attacks and strokes. A study conducted by researchers from Kyung Hee University in South Korea, and published in the European Heart Journal, examined the medical records of over a million South Korean residents. The findings indicated that those vaccinated against shingles were significantly less likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to those unvaccinated, suggesting that shingles may pose greater health risks than previously understood.
According to study researcher Sooji Lee, the vaccine might offer protection beyond preventing shingles, potentially benefiting heart health. Shingles, caused by the varicella zoster virus (also responsible for chickenpox in children), can reactivate in adults as the immune system weakens with age. This reactivation results in painful symptoms and rashes lasting several weeks, sometimes leading to prolonged nerve pain.
Research has shown that shingles might increase the risk of other health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, while vaccination has been associated with a lower dementia risk. Previous studies have also suggested shingles could lead to heart complications, though the impact of vaccination on preventing these issues had not been extensively explored.
The study leveraged South Korea’s single-payer, publicly funded healthcare system, which allows researchers to access de-identified population data. Researchers analyzed the shingles vaccination status and cardiovascular health of residents aged 50 and above from 2012 onwards, when the vaccine became available in South Korea. The results showed that vaccination was linked to a 23% lower risk of new cardiovascular conditions, a 26% lower risk of major cardiovascular events, and a 26% lower risk of heart failure. These benefits were most pronounced within the first two to three years post-vaccination but persisted for up to eight years. The protective effects were stronger in men, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and those in rural or low-income areas.
While the study was observational and could not conclusively prove a causative relationship, the authors noted that shingles might cause inflammation and blood vessel damage, contributing to cardiovascular disease risk. The older Zostavax vaccine was the focus of this study, though it has largely been replaced by the more effective Shingrix vaccine. Some research suggests Shingrix might offer greater protection against dementia.
Lee and her team plan to investigate whether Shingrix provides the same or better cardiovascular protection compared to the older vaccine. Regardless, given shingles’ severe symptoms, vaccination remains beneficial, with potential added advantages for brain and heart health.
