Shingles vaccine linked to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds
Researchers say benefits of two-dose Shingrix vaccine could be comparable to taking daily blood pressure medication
TL;DR
- The Shingles vaccine Shingrix may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Research involving 70,000 US adults showed a 12% lower risk of cardiovascular diagnosis within 3.5 years after vaccination.
- This benefit could be comparable to daily blood pressure medication and potentially prevent thousands of deaths annually.
- The study compared cardiovascular disease incidence before and after the switch from Zostavax to Shingrix in the US.
- Scientists are investigating whether the vaccine's effect is due to reduced shingles risk or broader immune system impacts.
- Randomized controlled trials are needed for definitive confirmation of the cardioprotective benefits.