A History of Shingles Is Associated With Increased Risk of Stroke, Heart Attack
In a recent study, researchers found an association between people with a history of herpes zoster infection, commonly known as shingles, and an almost 30% higher long-term risk of a major cardiovascular event such a stroke or heart attack compared with those with no history of shingles.1
Currently, about one in three individuals will develop shingles in their lifetime. Shingles can lead to several complications, including postherpetic neuralgia, which affects one’s nerve fibers and skin causing burning pain. A VZV reactivation may have even longer lasting side effects like the development of cardiovascular disorders, according to previously published studies.
To learn more about this, researchers developed a prospective, longitudinal study, following more than 200,000 individuals from three large cohorts: the Nurses’ Health Study (n = 79,658 women), the Nurses’ Health Study II (n = 93,932 women), and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (n = 31,440 men). Participants must not have had prior history of stroke or coronary heart disease to be included.
Using questionnaires collected every 2 years, the researchers obtained and confirmed with medical review patient data on shingles, stroke, and coronary heart disease. The researchers followed the participants for up to 16 years to determine whether those who had developed shingles were at higher risk for stroke or coronary heart disease years after the shingles diagnosis.
The researchers found that those with a history of shingles were at a 30% higher long-term risk of a major cardiovascular event compared with those who did not have shingles during the study period. The researchers also determined this higher risk may continue for 12 years or more after first having shingles.
The authors noted several limitations of their study. For example, the authors stated that the patient data was self-reported, which may lead to inaccurate reporting of symptoms. Additionally, the researchers did not have data on participants’ VZV vaccination status.
Still, the researchers believe their study findings are notable.
“Our findings suggest there are long-term implications of shingles and highlight the importance of public health efforts for prevention,” lead author Sharon Curhan, MD, ScM, said in a press release.2
References
1. Curhan SG, et al. Herpes zoster and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11(23):e027451. doi:10.1161/JAHA.122.027451.
2. Shingles associated with increased risk for stroke, heart attack. Press release. Brigham and Women’s Hospital. November 22, 2022. Accessed December 21, 2022. https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/newsroom/press-releases-detail?id=4310