Coronavirus Vaccine Linked to 37.7% Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Events, Study Finds
A study published in *JAMA Internal Medicine* found that the coronavirus vaccine reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events—such as heart attacks, strokes, and hospitalizations for heart disease—by 37.7% among veterans, according to research led by Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at the University of Washington in St. Louis. The findings, based on data from over 1 million veterans between 2024 and 2025, suggest the vaccine’s protective effects on heart health persisted even as virus variants and vaccine formulations evolved.
The study compared veterans who received the新冠 vaccine with those who only got the seasonal flu shot. Those vaccinated against COVID-19 had a 37.7% lower risk of cardiovascular events directly tied to the virus, with the benefit being most pronounced in individuals over 75 and those with preexisting conditions like diabetes or chronic lung disease. The vaccine also correlated with a 6% reduction in all-cause cardiovascular events and a 7% decrease in hospitalizations and deaths from any cause, according to the research.
“Even in people who may not realize they’ve contracted COVID-19, these vaccines are providing measurable protection,” Al-Aly said, emphasizing the broader public health implications. The study estimated that vaccinating 1 million people could prevent approximately 2,370 major cardiovascular events and 1,580 deaths over eight months.
Why the Vaccine May Protect Heart Health
Researchers speculate the vaccine’s cardiovascular benefits stem from its ability to reduce systemic inflammation and prevent severe infections that strain the heart. Al-Aly noted that many vaccinated individuals may have experienced asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infections, which could still trigger underlying cardiovascular risks. “This study highlights the hidden burden of COVID-19 circulating in the population,” he said.
Nisha Viswanathan, a UCLA physician not involved in the study, added that the vaccine’s effects might extend beyond direct viral protection. “Other vaccines have shown broader health benefits, and mRNA technology may be influencing the immune system in ways we’re only beginning to understand,” she said.
Broader Implications for Public Health
The findings align with earlier research, including a 2022 study of 46 million adults in England, which also linked COVID-19 vaccination to reduced heart attacks and strokes. However, the current study’s focus on long-term effects and diverse vaccine types—such as mRNA and Novavax—adds new depth to the evidence.
While the vaccine’s cardiovascular benefits are significant, experts caution against overestimating its impact. The study’s population was predominantly older, white, and male, limiting direct applicability to younger or more diverse groups. Additionally, the vaccine carries rare risks like myocarditis, though these are generally mild and far outweighed by its benefits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What This Means for Patients
For older adults and those with chronic conditions, the study reinforces the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure. “We should continue promoting vaccines, especially among high-risk populations,” Viswanathan said. The research also underscores the need for ongoing studies to explore how mRNA vaccines interact with other health conditions, such as cancer. A separate study from the University of Florida and University of Texas found that the COVID-19 vaccine improved cancer patients’ responses to immunotherapy, suggesting broader therapeutic potential.
Key Takeaways
- The coronavirus vaccine reduced major cardiovascular events by 37.7% in a study of over 1 million veterans.
- Benefits were strongest in older adults and those with preexisting conditions.
- The vaccine also lowered hospitalizations and deaths from all causes by 7%.
- Researchers suggest protection may stem from reduced inflammation and prevention of asymptomatic infections.
- Experts emphasize that vaccine risks remain low compared to the benefits, particularly for high-risk groups.
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