Recent medical research has revealed an unexpected and concerning connection between shingles and heart attack risk, as well as risks for other cardiovascular events. While shingles is widely known for its painful rash and nerve-related complications, emerging evidence suggests that its effects may go far beyond the skin, influencing cardiovascular health in ways that have caught scientists’ attention.
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What Is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue for decades. For reasons not completely understood, it can reactivate later in life, leading to a painful rash typically appearing on one side of the body. The rash is often accompanied by burning or shooting pain, itching, and sensitivity to touch.
Shingles mainly affects adults over 50 or individuals with weakened immune systems. Complications can include postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic nerve pain that can last months or even years. But beyond nerve pain, recent studies have raised alarms about a potentially much more serious consequence: increased cardiovascular risk.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching the heart tissue, causing cells to die. Symptoms typically include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sweating, but they can sometimes be atypical — especially in older adults or women.
The leading causes of heart attacks include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle. However, acute infections and systemic inflammation — such as those triggered by viruses like shingles — can also increase the risk.
How Are Shingles and Heart Attacks Linked?
Studies have shown a statistically significant link between shingles and increased cardiovascular risk. The connection appears to be strongest in the weeks and months following a shingles outbreak, but it can persist for years.
In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, it highlights that:
- Herpes Zoster significantly increases the risk of heart attacks by 59%.
- The risks were especially high in the relatively young who have fewer risk factors for atherosclerosis.
- There was a substantial temporal link between Herpes Zoster and the occurrence of heart attacks.
Possible Biological Mechanisms That Explains Why Shingles Raises The Risk Of Heart Attacks
The precise biological mechanisms connecting shingles and heart attacks are still being studied, but several plausible explanations have been proposed:
- Inflammatory Response: Shingles triggers systemic inflammation as the immune system reactivates against the dormant virus. This inflammation can contribute to the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.
- Vascular Damage: The varicella-zoster virus may directly infect blood vessel walls, leading to vasculopathy—damage that narrows arteries and impairs blood flow.
- Stress and Immune Load: The pain and stress associated with shingles can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can strain the cardiovascular system.
- Endothelial Dysfunction: Shingles may impair the function of the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels), which is essential for regulating vascular tone and preventing clots.
The Role of Vaccination: Shingrix
Fortunately, there is an effective way to reduce both shingles outbreaks and their possible cardiovascular complications — vaccination.
Shingrix, a recombinant, non-live vaccine, has been shown to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. It is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, and for certain immunocompromised individuals. The vaccine is given in two doses, typically spaced 2–6 months apart.
By preventing shingles and reducing inflammation triggered by viral reactivation, the vaccine may indirectly reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
Who Is Most at Risk?
People at greatest risk for both shingles and heart disease include:
- Adults over 50 years of age
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Smokers and people with sedentary lifestyles
- Patients who have previously had shingles
For these groups, vaccination offers not only protection against painful rashes but potentially a safeguard for the heart as well.
GSK Singapore: Lack Of Awareness Of Shingles Risk By Older Singaporeans
In a media release dated 23 Oct 25, GSK Singapore reviewed that a commissioned survey “shows nearly 70% of older adults in Singapore underestimate their risk of shingles”, and that “only 1 in 4 plans to consult their doctor on prevention”:
- Only 29% of adults aged 50 years or over in Singapore recognised that 1 in 3 may develop Shingles in their lifetime.
- 44% understood that shingles can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack
- 36% knew that the risk for shingles further increases amongst those with underlying chronic health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
- Only 1 in 4 intended to discuss shingles prevention with their doctor within the next three months.
- Survey findings reinforce need for deeper understanding of shingles and to encourage older adults to consult their doctors on shingles prevention.
What This Means for You
The link between shingles and heart attacks might surprise many, but it underscores an important message: infections can influence long-term cardiovascular health. Protecting yourself from shingles through vaccination could be an important — and often overlooked — way to protect your heart.
If you’re over 50 or have underlying health conditions, speak with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated with Shingrix. Not only will it help prevent the discomfort of shingles, but it could also lower your risk of serious cardiovascular events
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