Shingles Vaccine Cuts Heart Disease Risk by 23%, Study Finds

Getting the shingles vaccine could do more than just protect you from a painful rash — it might also lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, according to a new study from South Korea.

Published in the European Heart Journal, this large-scale study of more than one million people found that people aged 50 and older who received the shingles vaccine had a 23% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The benefits were particularly strong for younger individuals and men, with the greatest reductions seen up to eight years after vaccination.

How the Shingles Vaccine Works for Heart Health

Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is well known for causing a painful rash. But the virus can also trigger inflammation in blood vessels, which can lead to blood clots and increase the risk of heart disease. Researchers believe that by preventing shingles with vaccination, the vaccine may also reduce this cardiovascular risk.

Hayeon Lee, a coauthor of the study and researcher at Lee Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, explained that shingles-related nerve damage could also disrupt the heart’s rhythm, potentially leading to irregular palpitations or even cardiac arrest.

Who Benefits Most from the Shingles Vaccine?

The study found that the shingles vaccine may be particularly effective for males, people under 60, and even those with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smokers or heavy drinkers. These groups saw a more significant reduction in heart disease risk after vaccination.

Lee emphasized that this research underscores the broader benefits of vaccination, saying, “Vaccines are not just shields against infections, but essential tools for maintaining long-term health.”

A Bigger Picture for Public Health

While the study provides strong evidence of the shingles vaccine’s protective effects, experts caution that more research is needed to confirm a direct causal link between vaccination and reduced heart disease risk. Dr. Sharon Curhan, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, noted that this study is the largest of its kind and offers compelling evidence for those considering the vaccine.

It’s also important to note that most adults have already been exposed to the VZV, even if they’ve never had chickenpox. According to the CDC, more than 99% of adults over 50 have had VZV exposure, which means many could benefit from the vaccine, even without a history of chickenpox.

Limitations of the Study

While the findings are promising, there are some important caveats. The study used the older live zoster vaccine, which is no longer available in most countries. This vaccine has since been replaced by Shingrix, a more effective two-dose vaccine. Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, an assistant professor of medicine at Stanford, emphasized the need for further studies comparing the effectiveness of different vaccine versions and how they affect overall health.

Additionally, because this research relies on a large database rather than a controlled clinical trial, certain variables, like diet and adherence to treatment, may not have been fully accounted for.

Shingles Vaccine’s Other Health Benefits

The shingles vaccine’s potential goes beyond heart disease. Other studies have shown its ability to reduce the risk of dementia by 20%. Research published in April by Dr. Geldsetzer and his team found that the vaccine may help protect the brain from inflammation caused by shingles-related nerve damage.

The shingles vaccine’s benefits seem to extend to other long-term conditions as well, suggesting it could be an important part of maintaining overall health as we age.

Moving Forward

While the study provides valuable insights into the heart-health benefits of the shingles vaccine, experts agree that more research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations. The next steps will likely involve randomized clinical trials to get a clearer picture of how the vaccine can be used to prevent both shingles and cardiovascular disease.