Quick blog, but heart disease is the number one killer for men and women in the US. When addressing healthspan and longevity, you must do everything you can for heart health. For those of you over the age of 50, a shingles vaccine is another tool in your toolbox.
People know to do shingles vaccine to protect against the painful rash. There are also studies that show the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of dementia. Without vaccination it is estimated that 30% of people may get shingles.
Now there is a study showing the shingles vaccine can lower the risk of heart disease for eight years. This was a study published in the European Heart Journal, May 2025. “Live zoster vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes: a nationwide, South Korean study”, by Sooji Lee et al.
- 1.2 million patients over age 50 in South Korea
- Research analyzed for 12 years of data
- They looked at 18 different types of cardiovascular disease, including adverse cardiovascular events, heart failure, cerebrovascular disorders, ischemic heart disease, thrombotic disorders, and dysrhythmia
Findings:
Those who had the shingles vaccine had a 23% lower risk of heart issues, including stroke, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
- They think the benefits were better for those under 60, as they have a better immune response.
- They found the health benefits were more prominent for men, and those with unhealthy behaviors: sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and drinking alcohol
- The protective effect was most prominent in the first 2-3 years but extended up to 8.
They theorize reasons why is that shingles infection can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation, and clots which lead to heart disease.
How can Biohackr Health help?
Heart health is a key to longevity and anti aging. We don’t provide the shingles vaccine in our clinic, but we do offer many options to figure out your cardiovascular risk and treatments to improve heart health.
- TESTING Including cholesterol screens, glucose screens, and cardiac calcium scan
- BUILD MUSCLE, focusing on NAD and CREATINE
- TELEHEALTH VISIT. Don’t know where to start? Meet with a clinician to figure out a plan to evaluate and treat any cardiac issues. This visit may be covered by insurance or FSA / HSA accounts. Telehealth visit
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