Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Risks of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Dementia
Adults who receive the shingles vaccine experience a significantly lower risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, according to recent epidemiological research published in the European Heart Journal. The observational data, which followed more than one million individuals, indicates that immunization against the varicella-zoster virus yields substantial protective benefits for vascular health that last for up to eight years.
- Research published in the European Heart Journal tracked over 1.2 million adults aged 50 and older to analyze cardiovascular outcomes following shingles vaccination.
- Vaccinated individuals showed a 23% overall reduction in cardiovascular events, with even sharper risk drops noted among specific demographic groups.
- Preventing the systemic inflammation and vascular damage caused by shingles infections likely drives these protective cardiovascular outcomes.
The study, led by Professor Dong Keon Yon from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, evaluated health data from 1,271,922 participants starting in 2012. Researchers matched records of individuals who received the live zoster vaccine with comprehensive data concerning their cardiovascular health, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. Results demonstrated a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events overall among the vaccinated cohort. The analysis also revealed a 26% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events—defined as stroke, heart attack, or death from heart disease—alongside a 26% lower risk of heart failure and a 22% lower risk of coronary heart disease.
Complementary findings from United States health records reinforce these conclusions for high-risk populations. A separate American study focusing on more than 246,000 adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found that vaccinated patients experienced a 46% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and a 61% lower risk of death from any cause within one year compared to their unvaccinated peers. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, noted the clinical relevance of these figures. “A vaccine that results in a 46% lower risk of a major adverse cardiac event—and a 61% lower risk of death from any cause—is an incredibly significant and meaningful intervention that can help us lower the tremendous burden of cardiovascular disease in our society,” Chen stated.
A shingles infection can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation and clot formation that can lead to heart disease. By preventing shingles, vaccination may lower these risks. Researchers observed that the protective effect was strongest in the two to three years after the shingles vaccine was given, though protection lasted for up to eight years.
Public health agencies have long prioritized shingles immunization to combat painful neuropathic complications, but these cardiovascular insights broaden the clinical scope of the intervention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults aged 50 and older receive two doses of the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, which received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2017 and became the preferred vaccine, with public health bodies thereafter recommending it over Zostavax. Because the South Korean cohort primarily examined the live zoster vaccine, investigators emphasize the necessity of more research on the recombinant vaccine to see if it has similar benefits for reducing heart disease across diverse global populations.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.*