"Reduce Heart Risk After 50 with Shingles Vaccine: Study"

Reduce Your Heart Risk with This Vaccine: New Study Shows Significant Benefits for Adults Over 50

As we age, our hearts undergo wear and tear, which can have a serious impact on our cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association points out several ways in which our hearts change as we grow older, including stiffening of large arteries, decreased heart muscle efficiency, and reduced flexibility in blood vessels, all of which can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization.

A recent study presented at the 2025 European Society of Cardiology Congress in Spain has shed light on a simple yet effective way to reduce heart risk in adults over the age of 50. The study, which was the first of its kind to address this topic, found that individuals who received the herpes zoster vaccine to prevent shingles were 16% less likely to experience cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. These events account for the majority of cardiovascular-related deaths worldwide.

Shingles is a viral infection that can cause a painful rash on one side of the body, along with other symptoms such as sensitivity to touch and blisters. The virus responsible for shingles is the same one that causes chickenpox, lying dormant in the body after the initial infection and reactivating later in life. This reactivation can lead to inflammation and vascular issues that increase the risk of complications like stroke.

There are two vaccines available to prevent shingles: the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (RZV) and the live attenuated zoster vaccine (ZVL). Both vaccines were found to be effective in reducing heart risk in adults over 50, with an 18% lower risk observed in vaccinated individuals compared to those who had not received the vaccine. This highlights the potential benefits of vaccination in promoting heart health as a key aspect of cardiovascular disease prevention.

According to the study, vaccines should be considered as an essential component of cardiovascular disease prevention, along with traditional treatments like antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs, and medications for diabetes. This recognition of the role of vaccines in maintaining heart health underscores the importance of seeking preventive measures, especially as we age.

For individuals approaching the age of 50 or older, discussing the shingles vaccine with your healthcare provider could offer not only protection against shingles but also significant benefits for your heart health. By following the CDC's recommendations for a two-dose course of the vaccine, you may be able to reduce your risk of cardiovascular events and improve your overall cardiovascular well-being.

Stay informed about the latest developments in wellness by subscribing to The Healthy newsletter and following The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Remember, taking proactive steps to protect your heart health today could lead to a healthier tomorrow.

• New Research: Living in Any of These 9 Regions Could Increase Heart Failure Risk by 27%
• New Study: Heart Deaths Will Rise More Than 70% By 2050—These Are the 3 Risk Factors to Manage
• Only 50% of Americans Who Need This Heart Attack Prevention Drug Are Taking It, Say Researchers
• Want To Know How Long You’ll Live? New Research Says One Simple Maneuver Could Hint at Heart Disease and Cancer Risk

The post Over 50? Getting This Vaccine Could Slash Your Heart Risk By 16%, Says New Study appeared first on The Healthy.