People who have been vaccinated against shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular conditions — with the risk for heart attacks being 22% lower and heart failure 26% lower, according to a large study from South Korea. Importantly, the protective effect of the vaccine lasts for eight years, with the greatest reduction in risks observed between 2 and 3 years after vaccination.
The study is based on the insurance data of over 1.2 million people, followed up for six years on average.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes in stripes across one side of the body. It is caused by the chicken pox virus called varicella-zoster. The disease occurs when the virus gets reactivated years after a bout of chickenpox. A shingles vaccine, recommended for people above 50, can prevent this reactivation by boosting immunity.
What did the study find?
The study found the risk of overall cardiovascular events was 23% lower in people who had received the vaccine. The risk of a major cardiovascular event was 26% lower, heart failure 26% lower, disorders that affect the blood flow in the brain such as strokes was 24% lower, heart attack was 22% lower, and clotting disorder was 22% lower.
“Our study suggests that the shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors. This means that vaccination could offer health benefits beyond preventing shingles,” said study author, Professor Dong Keon Yon from the Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, in a release.
Importantly, the study found that the impact was more pronounced in men, those below the age of 60 years, and those with unhealthy lifestyles.
How does the vaccine prevent heart attacks?
While the mechanism of action is not entirely understood, scientists think it could be because the vaccines prevent shingles, which has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that an infection increased the risk of conditions like heart attack and heart failure by 1.5 to 2 fold.
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“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. Our study found stronger benefits in younger people, probably due to a better immune response, and in men, possibly due to differences in vaccine effectiveness,” said Prof Yon.
Is shingles vaccine available in India? Who should take it?
There are two approved shingles vaccines available across the world — one that uses a live, weakened virus and the second that uses a recombinant technology to develop parts of the virus that do not cause disease. Both vaccines are available in India.
Shingles vaccines are recommended for individuals over the age of 50 years, especially those living with conditions that weaken the immune system.
Will the newer recombinant vaccine also protect the heart?
The Korean study is based on data of people who were administered the older live vaccine. Hence, the researchers say, similar studies would have to be conducted in people who have received the newer vaccine.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
