Can the Shingles Vaccine Safeguard Heart Health for Up to 8 Years?
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Synopsis
Discover how a recent study shows that the shingles vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease for up to eight years. With compelling evidence from over a million participants, learn why vaccination is crucial for heart health beyond preventing shingles.
Key Takeaways
- The shingles vaccine reduces cardiovascular event risk by 23%.
- Protective effects last for up to eight years.
- Particularly beneficial for men and those under 60 years old.
- Shingles can lead to serious heart complications.
- Vaccination offers broader health benefits beyond shingles prevention.
New Delhi, May 6 (NationPress) A recent study reveals that individuals who receive the shingles vaccine—known as the zoster vaccine—experience a 23 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular incidents, such as strokes, heart failures, and coronary heart disease. This research analyzed data from over a million participants.
The live zoster vaccine contains a weakened version of the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for shingles.
Shingles is a viral condition characterized by a painful rash and has been associated with an increased likelihood of heart complications.
This illness can lead to significant health challenges, particularly for older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Findings indicate that the vaccine's protective effects last for as long as eight years, with the benefits being especially significant among men, individuals under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyles like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.
Professor Dong Keon Yon from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, stated, "Our findings suggest that the shingles vaccine could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease, even among individuals without established risk factors, indicating that vaccination may provide health advantages beyond just preventing shingles."
The study comprised 1,271,922 participants aged 50 and older residing in South Korea.
Results demonstrated that vaccinated individuals had a 23 percent lower risk of cardiovascular events overall, with a 26 percent reduction in major cardiovascular incidents (such as strokes, heart attacks, or fatalities due to heart disease), a 26 percent decrease in heart failure, and a 22 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease.
Professor Yon elaborated that shingles can inflict damage on blood vessels, leading to inflammation and clot formation, both of which contribute to heart disease. However, vaccination may mitigate these dangers.
“Our study revealed more pronounced benefits in younger individuals, likely due to a more robust immune response, and in men, possibly due to variations in vaccine efficacy,” the researcher added.
Prior studies indicate that without vaccination, approximately 30 percent of people will experience shingles during their lifetime.
Point of View
I believe that the findings of this study highlight the importance of vaccination not only in preventing shingles but also in safeguarding cardiovascular health. This underscores the need for a proactive approach to public health, particularly for older adults who are at higher risk for both shingles and heart disease.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine, or zoster vaccine, is designed to prevent shingles, a painful viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
How does the shingles vaccine benefit heart health?
The vaccine has been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular events by 23%, potentially reducing the likelihood of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
How long does the vaccine's protective effect last?
The protective effects of the shingles vaccine can last up to eight years.
Who benefits most from the shingles vaccine?
Men, individuals under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking or lack of exercise, experience the most significant benefits from the vaccine.
What percentage of people may develop shingles in their lifetime?
About 30% of individuals may develop shingles at some point in their lives without vaccination.
