New observational study reveals that shingles vaccination significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events, offering a promising preventive measure against these devastating conditions.
Shingles Vaccine Linked with Lower Risk of Many Common Heart Problems
The Benefits of Vaccination Against Herpes Zoster
Vaccination against herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, not only helps prevent this painful infection but also curbs the risk of cardiovascular problems. A new observational study has shown that those who received one injection of the shingles vaccine Zostavax were 26% less likely to die from heart disease or experience a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure compared with people who hadn’t been vaccinated.
Shingles vaccination is a preventive measure against herpes zoster, a viral infection that causes shingles.
The vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the 'varicella-zoster virus'.
According to the CDC, adults aged 50 and older are recommended to receive two doses of Shingrix, which provides 85-90% protection against shingles.
Studies show that vaccination reduces the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles.
The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
Understanding Shingles and Its Link to Cardiovascular Disease
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and then stays in the body after symptoms clear up, becomes reactivated. This can happen when the immune system is weakened, such as during periods of stress or chemotherapy. Shingles causes a painful rash, which can sometimes get infected or leave a scar. Although cardiovascular events are not typically listed as complications of shingles, scientists now know that it is linked to a roughly 30% greater risk of stroke and a 10% greater risk of heart attack, especially within a year after having ‘it’.
The Study’s Findings
The study, which analyzed data from over 1.2 million people aged 50 or over in South Korea, found that the risk of cardiovascular events after vaccination was 23% lower compared with unvaccinated people. The risk reduction was even greater in men – with vaccination associated with a 27% drop compared with 20% for women. Additionally, vaccinated individuals had a 26% decreased risk compared to those without the vaccine for specific cardiovascular events.
The shingles vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the Shingrix vaccine are about 90% effective in preventing shingles in people over 50 years old.
The vaccine is also 91% effective in preventing serious cases of shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause chronic pain.
The CDC recommends that adults 50 years and older receive two doses of the Shingrix vaccine, with a second dose given two to six months after the first dose.
Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
The study also found that risk reduction was greatest in people who received the vaccine earlier, within two to three years after vaccination. The benefits were most pronounced among certain groups, including rural residents, individuals with low income, and those with obesity. However, it’s worth noting that BMI played a role in reducing cardiovascular risks – individuals with lower BMIs showed greater reductions in risk.
The shingles vaccine is a preventive measure against herpes zoster, a viral infection that causes shingles.
Age and immune system health are key factors in determining the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Individuals over 50 years old with weakened immune systems may not respond well to the vaccine.
Additionally, people who have had chickenpox or received the varicella vaccine are more likely to develop shingles.
The vaccine's efficacy also depends on the individual's overall health and medical history.
Expert Insights
According to Galen Foulke at the Pennsylvania State University, the study ‘strengthens our confidence‘ that shingles vaccinations cut cardiovascular risks, probably by curbing the vascular inflammation caused by the zoster virus. He also emphasizes the potential cost savings for healthcare systems through reduced cardiovascular morbidity from vaccination.
- newscientist.com | Shingles vaccine linked with lower risk of many common heart problems
