Taking a shingles vaccine is linked to a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. The corresponding study was published in the European Heart Journal.
"Shingles causes a painful rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults and those with weak immune systems. Previous research shows that, without vaccination, about 30% of people may develop shingles in their lifetime,” said study author, Professor Dong Keon Yon from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea, in a press release.
"In addition to the rash, shingles has been linked to a higher risk of heart problems, so we wanted to find out if getting vaccinated could lower this risk,” he added.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from over 1.2 million people aged 50 or older in South Korea. Data included whether people received a shingles vaccine alongside measures of cardiovascular health and factors that influence health including age, sex, wealth, and lifestyle.
Ultimately, the researchers found that people who received the vaccine had a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events overall and a 26% lower risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, or death from heart disease. While the protective effect was strongest in the two to three years following the vaccine, protection lasted for up to eight years.
To explain how the vaccine lowers risk of cardiovascular disease, Yon noted that preventing shingles may reduce symptoms like blood vessel damage, inflammation, and clot formation. He added that the findings may not apply to all populations as the study is based on an Asian cohort.
“Since the live zoster vaccine is not suitable for everyone, more research on the recombinant vaccine is needed. While we conducted rigorous analysis, this study does not establish a direct causal relationship, so potential bias from other underlying factors should be considered,” said Yon.
Sources: Science Daily, European Heart Journal
