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Vaccination against shingles could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as eight years.

Vaccination against shingles could potentially decrease the risk of heart disease for up to eight years.

Elderly Woman, Named Elizabeth Gomez, aged 54 from Huntington Park, gets vaccinated with Prevnar...
Elderly Woman, Named Elizabeth Gomez, aged 54 from Huntington Park, gets vaccinated with Prevnar and shingles jabs, administered by pharmacy supervisor Sandra Gonzalez, at CVS, Huntington Park, on the 28th of August, 2024. Image sourced from Christina House/Getty Images.

Vaccination against shingles could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as eight years.

Up your game: Get vaccinated against shingles for a healthier heart

Here's the lowdown: If you're an adult aged 50 and over, you're at risk for shingles - a painful, blistering rash. But there's good news: You can get vaccinated against it!

Turns out, the shingles vaccine might offer more benefits than just protection from shingles. Past studies revealed that it may also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and related events, such as heart attack and heart failure.

Wanna know the juicy stuff? According to a recent study, people who get the shingles vaccine experience a whopping 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events – like heart failure, stroke, and coronary heart disease – for up to eight years after vaccination!

"Infectious diseases like shingles might be linked to chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases," explained Sooji Lee, MD, a researcher from South Korea. So, investigating the broader impact of shingles vaccination is crucial for understanding this connection and improving our overall health.

Now, what exactly is it about the vaccine that keeps those bad heart events at bay? Well, shingles can cause inflammation that can affect blood vessels, leading to heart problems. By preventing shingles, the vaccine likely reduces this inflammatory response, thereby slashing the risk of heart disease.

The best part? The heart-related protection from the vaccine lasts a full eight years. And the greatest benefits are observed within the first two to three years after vaccination.

"This finding highlights the potential of shingles vaccination as a preventive measure against heart disease," said Lee. But because this study was conducted in a South Korean population, further research in other demographics is needed to ensure these findings apply globally.

So don't wait: Get your shingles vaccine and enjoy a wealthier, healthier heart!

Sources:1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145518/2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/27859443. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/40/35/3352/56557074. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523110/5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejcx.13788

  1. Vaccination against shingles may not only protect you from the painful, blistering rash, but also lower your risk of other heart diseases and related events like heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
  2. A recent study showed that individuals who get the shingles vaccine have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events for up to eight years after vaccination.
  3. The shingles vaccine's heart protection lasts eight years, with the greatest benefits observed within the first two to three years after vaccination.
  4. The shingles vaccine's potential to reduce the risk of heart disease is due to its impact on inflammation that can affect blood vessels, thus preventing heart problems.
  5. While the connection between infectious diseases like shingles and chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease is under investigation, it's crucial to understand this link as it affects our overall health.
  6. The benefits of the shingles vaccine in terms of cardiovascular health might not only apply to a South Korean population, but also to various socioeconomic groups worldwide.
  7. Maintaining good cardiovascular health is vital, especially considering the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure in today's society.
  8. Additionally, a heart-healthy lifestyle—including fitness and exercise, mental health support, skin care, proper nutrition, and various medical-conditions and therapies and treatments—also plays an essential role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  9. As you age, it's crucial to take advantage of preventive measures and stay informed about treatments and vaccines like the shingles vaccine, which can contribute to your cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
  10. With Medicare covering the shingles vaccine for eligible beneficiaries, it's easier than ever to take this important step toward a healthier heart and longer, happier, and more active years.
  11. Ignoring the opportunity to vaccinate against shingles could lead to not only the onset of shingles but also increased risks of cardiovascular disease and related health complications, so don't hesitate—get vaccinated today!

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