Health Check Shingles vaccine lowers risk of heart disease
May 7, 2025
In this discussion, family doctor Anne Robinson highlights groundbreaking findings on the shingles vaccine, showing a 23% reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. The conversation dives into the unexpected benefits of the vaccine, linking it to better heart health. Robinson also explores the challenges in eradicating schistosomiasis, a major public health issue. Additionally, she touches on significant advancements in prostate cancer treatments and a quirky study revealing that kissing poses minimal risk for those with celiac disease. It's an enlightening mix of health insights!
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Shingles Vaccine Lowers Heart Risks
- The shingles vaccine is associated with a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart failure.
- This protective effect might result from reduced virus-induced inflammation in blood vessels or less debilitation from shingles itself.
Unclear Mechanism Behind Heart Benefits
- The exact mechanism linking shingles vaccine to reduced heart disease risk is unclear and needs more study.
- It may directly reduce virus-caused blood vessel inflammation or indirectly lower debilitation by preventing shingles.
Get Vaccinated Against Shingles
- Despite uncertain additional benefits, getting the shingles vaccine is worthwhile because shingles is a nasty disease itself.
- The vaccine is safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive, making prevention advisable.