Breakthrough Study Shows Shingles Vaccine May Protect Heart Health

A new study in the European Heart Journal shows the shingles vaccine may protect heart health. Researchers found vaccinated adults had a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events.

The vaccine lowered the risk of stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. The study tracked over 1.2 million people aged 50 and older in South Korea.

How Did the Study Link the Shingles Vaccine to Heart Health?

Researchers merged national health insurance data, health exam results, and vaccination records. The average age of participants was 61.3 years, and 43% were male. The median follow-up time was six years.

People who received the live shingles vaccine had fewer cardiovascular problems. Major heart events decreased by 26%. Stroke risk fell by 24%, and heart failure risk dropped by 26%.

Vaccinated individuals also had fewer cases of ischemic heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, involving damage or disease in the heart’s major blood vessels. They also had fewer heart rhythm issues like atrial fibrillation—an irregular, often rapid heart rate. Rates of heart attacks, strokes, and clot-related conditions all decreased in vaccinated adults.

Researchers calculated gains in restricted mean survival time (RMST). Vaccinated individuals lived approximately 95 more healthy days per decade. Authors believe the vaccine could help reduce health disparities and heart-related deaths.

Protection from the vaccine lasted up to eight years, peaking between two to three years after vaccination. Men, individuals under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyles saw stronger benefits. Smokers, drinkers, inactive people, and those in rural or low-income areas particularly benefited from vaccination.

What Insights and Future Research Opportunities Does the Study Provide?

Shingles raises heart risks by causing inflammation and blood clots, the study’s lead researcher, Professor Yon, said in a press release. Preventing shingles may reduce this added risk. Even people without known heart risk factors saw benefits.

However, the study controlled for other health and lifestyle factors and cannot prove direct cause and effect. Results may not apply to people outside Asia.

Professor Yon called for more research on the newer recombinant vaccine, Shingrix. His team plans to study its impact on heart health next. The older live vaccine used in this study has now been phased out in the U.S. The CDC recommends Shingrix, which uses a viral protein and requires two doses.

Nerve damage from shingles may disturb the heart’s normal rhythm, causing palpitations or cardiac arrest. Most adults over 50 have already been exposed to the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and shingles.

Vaccination prevents shingles and may also reduce these cardiovascular risks. Younger and male patients responded better due to stronger natural immunity.

Researchers suggest future studies should include more racially and ethnically diverse groups. Immune responses may vary across populations, and randomized trials could confirm these findings.

Another recent study linked shingles vaccination to a 20% lower dementia risk. Shingles affects the nervous system and may lead to long-term pain and brain changes. These factors could explain links between shingles and heart disease or dementia.

Conclusion

The shingles vaccine may offer protection beyond preventing painful rashes. By reducing inflammation and viral damage, it may help lower heart and brain risks. Researchers say more studies are needed, but the results are promising.

Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.