Vaccination against shingles shown to lower heart disease risk by 23%, according to a study involving one million individuals.
Revamped Wellness Boost: A Fresh Take on Health Improvements
Immerse yourself in a weekly dose of inspiration - sign up for our Life, but Better newsletter! Discover valuable insights and practical tools designed to enhance your overall well-being.
Recent research published in the European Heart Journal suggests that getting the shingles vaccine might not only protect you from a painful, red rash, but it could also lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. This intriguingfinding was based on a study of over one million individuals aged 50 and older.
The shingles virus, also known as thevaricella-zoster virus (VZV), is a common herpes strain that commonly causes chickenpox in childhood and later develops into shingles in older adults or those with compromised immune systems. The shingles vaccine is already considered a crucial defense against this virus, but recent studies are pointing towards unexpected health benefits.
Researchers found a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular disease among those who were vaccinated for shingles. This reduction was most pronounced up to eight years after vaccination, particularly in males, individuals under 60, and those with less-than-ideal lifestyles, such as heavy smokers or drinkers[1][4].
"Since shingles can cause inflammation in blood vessels and result in blood clots, which can lead to heart issues, preventing shingles via vaccination could potentially help reduce those cardiovascular risks," explained Hayeon Lee, a coauthor and researcher from the Lee Kyung Hee University College of Medicine[4].
It's also conceivable that the nerve damage caused by shingles might disrupt the heart's rhythm, causing irregular palpitations and even cardiac arrest[4].
The vaccine may be more effective in younger patients and males because of their stronger immune systems[4].
"If a vaccine helps lower both infection and serious chronic condition risks, it becomes an even more valuable public health tool," Lee said. "The study supports a broader perspective of vaccination – not just as a barrier against infectious diseases, but as part of a more comprehensive strategy aimed at preserving long-term health."
Further investigation is required to determine a definitive link between vaccination and reduced cardiovascular event risk[1][4]. However, this research offers a compelling case for those on the fence about getting vaccinated. It's important to note that more than 99% of adults aged 50 and older worldwide have already been exposed to VZV, and many may not even be aware that they had chickenpox[4].
Parkinson's disease prevention could potentially 'start at the dinner table'[5].
There are, of course, limitations to this type of research. As Hayeon Lee points out, it's challenging to compare individuals who opt for vaccination with those who do not, as health motivations and behaviors can differ significantly between these groups[4].
More research is needed to compare the health benefits of the various shingles vaccine variations[1][5]. For instance, the live zoster vaccine, previously available in most countries, contains a weakened, living form of the virus designed to stimulate an immune response. This vaccine has been phased out in favor of Shingrix, which contains only part of the virus, offering more effective protection[5].
In conclusion, not only does the shingles vaccine help prevent shingles and its complications, but it appears to offer long-term health benefits, such as a potential reduction in heart disease and dementia risks[1][4]. Further research is required to validate these findings and to determine the various health benefits provided by different vaccine variations. Stay informed and make smart health decisions with our engaging newsletters!
[1] CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Shingles[2] CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Shingles Vaccines (Shingrix)[3] Mayo Clinic: Shingles Vaccine[4] Hayeon Lee et al. (2022): Effect of herpes zoster vaccine on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, European Heart Journal[5] Lee et al. (2022): Shingles vaccination associated with lower incidence of dementia,Preventive Medicine Reports
- The study on shingles vaccine suggests that it might not only protect against shingles, but also lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 23%.
- Researchers found the reduction in cardiovascular disease risk was most pronounced up to eight years after vaccination, particularly in males, individuals under 60, and those with less-than-ideal lifestyles.
- Preventing shingles via vaccination could potentially help reduce the risk of heart issues, as shingles can cause inflammation in blood vessels and result in blood clots.
- Hayeon Lee, a coauthor and researcher, stated that since shingles can disturb the heart's rhythm, causing irregular palpitations and even cardiac arrest, the vaccine's benefits extend beyond just preventing shingles infections.
- Vaccination is not just a barrier against infectious diseases, but also a part of a more comprehensive strategy aimed at preserving long-term health, according to Lee.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings and to determine the various health benefits provided by different vaccine variations, such as the potential reduction in dementia risks. In the realm of health and wellness, staying informed is essential for making smart health decisions.
