A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that adults with pre-existing heart disease who received the recombinant zoster (shingles) vaccine had a significantly lower risk of serious cardiac events in the following year. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.4 million U.S. patients, showed vaccinated individuals had a 16% lower risk of stroke and a 20% lower risk of heart attack compared to unvaccinated peers.
The study's lead author, Dr. Amit Kumar, emphasized the potential protective effect, noting the vaccine may reduce the chronic inflammation associated with shingles that can exacerbate cardiovascular risks. The findings are observational and do not prove causation, but they add to growing evidence linking viral infections and vascular health.
Health experts recommend the two-dose Shingrix vaccine for adults over 50 and those 19 and older with weakened immune systems, primarily to prevent shingles and its complications. This new research suggests a possible secondary benefit for cardiovascular health, though further clinical trials are needed to confirm the link.
