Shingles Vaccine Linked to Reduced Risk of Cardiac Events

People with existing heart disease who receive the shingles vaccine may experience a significantly lower risk of serious cardiac events, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26). The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting the vaccine offers protection beyond preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, potentially reducing the risk of heart problems and even dementia.

Study Details and Findings

A study analyzing data from over 246,822 U.S. Adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease revealed that those who received the shingles vaccine had nearly half the rate of serious cardiac events one year later compared to those who did not get vaccinated.

Robert Nguyen, MD, lead author of the study and a resident physician at the University of California, Riverside, stated that the vaccine has consistently demonstrated cardioprotective effects, reducing the incidence of heart attack, stroke, and death. He further noted that these protective effects may be even more pronounced in individuals already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

How Shingles and Heart Health May Be Connected

Previous research suggests a link between shingles infections and an increased risk of blood clots forming around the brain and heart, potentially leading to heart attacks, strokes, and venous thromboembolism. By preventing shingles, the vaccine is thought to also mitigate the risk of these dangerous clot formations.

Vaccination Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults aged 50 years and older, as well as for younger adults with weakened immune systems. The vaccine protects against herpes zoster, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) – the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Presentation Details

The study, titled “Herpes Zoster Vaccination and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease,” will be presented on Monday, March 30, at 12:30 p.m. CT / 17:30 UTC in Posters, Hall E, at ACC.26.

Research also indicates that herpes zoster vaccination is recommended for individuals aged over 50 years and is effective in reducing the incidence of both herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.