Getting Shingles Increases the Risk of Heart Attack by 40%

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

Getting shingles may increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke or other heart problems by as much as 40 percent, according to new research.

The virus, which like chickenpox is caused by herpes zoster, causes a painful rash that appears in stripes across the torso, following nerve lines.

However, it may not always be skin deep.

Researchers at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, warn that the shingles virus may move through the skin and directly attack and inflame blood vessels, as well as certain nerves.

The shingles virus may move through the skin and directly attack and inflame blood vessels, as well as certain nerves, leading to blood clots that increase the risk of a heart attack by 40%.

Inflamed blood vessels may cause the blood to clot, setting the stage for a heart attack or stroke. Inflammation of nerves can cause the severe pain, called post-herpetic neuralgia, that often accompanies shingles.

But vaccination can help prevent shingles, study author Dr. Sung-Han Kim said.

Individuals should talk with their doctors about preventing shingles 'until further studies elucidate the effect of vaccination on cardiovascular outcomes,' Kim said.

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Foolywooly11 · ‎05-08-2016

Very interesting (& scary), as I've had shingles!

Gram W · ‎01-22-2013

Very scary. Chicken pox is the only childhood disease I ever had. Sometime around 2005 I had a bad case of shingles that went 3/4 around my chest. My family doctor failed to recognize it when it was just speckles on my breast. She said I was allergic to something. By the end of the week she agreed with me but said it was 2 late to do anything and I would have to suffer it out. It kept spreading and I was scared so called dermatologist until I found 1 who would see me. They all said they were not taking new patients. The last receptionist was willing to hear my story. She spoke to the doctor and he said to come immediately and he would work me in. I had to drive around the lake. He was shocked at my condition. He immediately gave me a shot to stop the shingles progression. He was furious about the treatment my PCP did not give. She had told me it was to late for the shot. I was in pain for weeks until my body took care of itself but the spread stopped immediately. I don't ever want shingles again.

I tell this only to urge others please get a shingles shot. You do not want to endure pain like that when there is a way to avoid it or at least minimize your shingles and pain.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

Every once in awhile we have a cynic here who can't see the need for the immunization. All I have to do is read about somebody's experience suffering through the disease and I'd be off for a shot. I had my immunization about 5 years ago after being on a long waiting list. So far, so good; I'm surely glad I had it.

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software · ‎06-08-2016

I'm not going to line up for every immunization that rolls off the production line.

I do get some appropriate shots, but my Dr has not recommended this one for me yet.

I had a case of shingles many years ago and I had chicken pox as a child.

I woke up one morning, so sick and in such pain I could barely move, I went right to the emergency room. I was immediately diagnosed and treated for shingles and I never got the eruptions.

The problem with shingles is people don't go to the doctor as soon as they have symptoms. So of course the virus is wreaking havoc on their body in the meantime.

Just sharing my experience, everyone needs to make their own choices.

hoosieroriginal · ‎03-04-2012

I would highly recommend the vaccine - I have had one really bad case that lasted a month and another small case after having the shot - but it was much less painful. I didn't have blisters either, but mine was just as painful. Please, please go get your vaccine - you do NOT want to suffer with shingles.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

DH & I went to get a shingles shot. We had already paid and everything when the pharmacist noticed I was allergic to latex. He couldn't give me the shot because it was in a latex container. I went to a different pharmacist who told me yes, the container is latex and I'd have to order it special in a glass container that would cost me an additional $200 - on top of the $95 co pay for the vaccine.I didn't get it.My doctor said it isn't necessary since he can give me an effective antivirus if I get shingles.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

A lot of these medical things are just a very effective ad campaign by the drug companies. Currently, it is the HEP C ads. Really, it's all about making money.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

I read where the shingles shot only helps 20% of those who get it.... seems awfully expensive( insurance or not) to not really help the masses and leave most who get it still vulnerable to shingles.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@151949 wrote:
DH & I went to get a shingles shot. We had already paid and everything when the pharmacist noticed I was allergic to latex. He couldn't give me the shot because it was in a latex container. I went to a different pharmacist who told me yes, the container is latex and I'd have to order it special in a glass container that would cost me an additional $200 - on top of the $95 co pay for the vaccine.I didn't get it.My doctor said it isn't necessary since he can give me an effective antivirus if I get shingles.

@151949 WOW! They really want to take advantage of people.