Shingles vaccine offers surprising protection against heart disease, reducing risk by 23% in older adults according to a groundbreaking South Korean study.
At a Glance
- South Korean researchers found shingles vaccination reduced heart disease risk by 23% in adults over 50
- The protective effect was strongest in people under 60, men, and those with unhealthy lifestyles
- Benefits included lower rates of stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease
- The protection lasted up to eight years following vaccination
- While promising, the study used a different vaccine than what’s currently recommended in the U.S.
Unexpected Heart Benefits from Shingles Protection
A major South Korean study involving more than 1.2 million adults aged 50 and older has discovered that the shingles vaccine does more than prevent painful rashes. Published in the European Heart Journal, the research found that vaccinated individuals experienced a significant 23% reduction in their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases including stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The study tracked participants over a 12-year period, making it one of the largest investigations of its kind examining the relationship between shingles vaccination and heart health.
The findings revealed specific protective effects: a 26% lower risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from heart disease; a 26% reduction in heart failure risk; and a 22% decrease in overall heart disease among those who received the vaccine. Notably, this protection lasted for up to eight years after vaccination, with the strongest benefits observed during the first two to three years. Without vaccination, approximately 30% of people may develop shingles in their lifetime, a condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
Study: Shingles Vaccine Lowers Heart Disease Risk https://t.co/eO4wO25HUL | 🔽 Read More 🔽
— NEWSMAX Health (@NewsmaxHealth) May 7, 2025
Who Benefits Most from Vaccination
The cardiovascular benefits of shingles vaccination weren’t uniform across all populations studied. Researchers discovered that the protective effects were most pronounced in younger participants (under age 60), men, and individuals with unhealthier lifestyles. This suggests that those who might otherwise be at higher risk for heart problems could potentially gain the most significant cardiovascular protection from receiving the shingles vaccine, creating an unexpected secondary health benefit beyond preventing the painful viral infection itself.
“Our study suggests that the shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors,” said Professor Dong Keon Yon.
The researchers theorize that by preventing shingles, the vaccine may be reducing inflammation and protecting blood vessels from damage that can lead to cardiovascular problems. Shingles infections can trigger systemic inflammation and promote blood clotting, both of which are significant risk factors for developing heart disease. By stopping the infection before it starts, the vaccine appears to offer protective effects that extend well beyond preventing the characteristic painful rash.
Important Study Limitations
While the findings are promising, several limitations should be considered when interpreting the results. The study was conducted in South Korea using a live zoster vaccine (Zostavax), which is no longer available in the United States. American doctors now recommend Shingrix, a non-live recombinant vaccine that has proven more effective at preventing shingles. Researchers are planning additional studies to determine if Shingrix provides similar or potentially enhanced cardiovascular benefits.
The research also focused primarily on an Asian population, raising questions about whether the results would be identical across different ethnic groups. Additionally, while the study demonstrates a strong correlation between vaccination and reduced heart disease, it cannot definitively prove causation. Other factors not fully accounted for in the study might have influenced the results, though researchers attempted to control for various health and lifestyle variables.
Implications for Public Health
Despite these limitations, medical experts view the findings as significant for public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already recommends Shingrix vaccination for adults 50 and older, including those who aren’t sure if they previously had chickenpox. These new findings potentially strengthen the case for widespread vaccination, suggesting benefits beyond the prevention of shingles itself. The cardiovascular protection observed adds another compelling reason for eligible individuals to consider getting vaccinated.
Healthcare providers may now have additional motivation to discuss shingles vaccination with patients, particularly those with elevated cardiovascular risk factors. For Americans concerned about both shingles and heart health, the currently available Shingrix vaccine, which is recommended as a two-dose series, remains the standard of care while researchers continue investigating its specific impact on heart disease risk.
