Brigham and Women’s Hospital conducted a study that found that people with shingles have a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. The researchers found that this risk lasted for 12 years following the disease’s outbreak.
Varicella zoster is the viral cause of shingles, also known as herpes zoster. The same virus is responsible for chickenpox. Most people in the U.S., less than 50, have had chicken pox. Unfortunately, contracting chicken pox increases the risk of developing shingles.
The U.S. is experiencing an increase in shingles
Shingles are characterized by a painful rash that occurs anywhere on the body. Approximately 1 in 3 people develop this disease. It is more prevalent among the older population and those immunocompromised due to medication or a pre-existing condition. Experts have noted an increase in shingles infections and are trying to devise preventative measures.
According to Dr. Sharon Curhan, a lead study author and epidemiologist at the Brigham and Women’s Channing Division of Network Medicine, more people in the U.S. are developing disabling and painful shingles. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for the disease, which could reduce the disease burden, thus lowering the risk of heart complications due to shingles.
A common symptom of shingles is post-herpetic neuralgia. This symptom describes a burning pain that persists even after the rash clears. Scientists explain that if the virus reactivates, the risk of cardiovascular complications increases. Shingles affect the heart as it is found in the vasculature, causing chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of vessel blockage. This, in turn, decreases blood flow to the heart or brain, resulting in a stroke or heart attack.
How researchers conducted the study
The researchers used data for three studies on coronary heart disease, stroke, and shingles. It included 200,000 patients with no history of strokes or heart attacks. They followed the patients for 16 years and evaluated their risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack after developing shingles. The results showed that shingles increased the risk by 30%.
Unfortunately, the team conducted the study before the shingles vaccine was available. Therefore they could not evaluate if the vaccine reduced the risk of these diseases. Unfortunately, not many patients have received the vaccine.
