Shingles And The Heart: A Childhood Virus With Long-Term Cardiovascular Consequences

Shingles may often be dismissed as a bothersome rash that emerges later in life, but mounting evidence suggests this viral flare-up can pose much greater risks — including serious cardiovascular complications.

The condition is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an initial infection, the virus lies dormant in the body’s nerve tissues. “Most of the time, your immune system keeps the virus under control, but years or even decades later, it may reactivate as shingles,” explains Dr. Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman of Cardiology at Marengo Asia Hospital in Gurugram.

Shingles typically manifests as a painful, blistering rash that appears on one side of the body. However, symptoms often begin with itching, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area before the rash even becomes visible. “Even a seemingly mild case can be extremely painful and exhausting,” Dr. Chaudhary adds.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shingles is not contagious in the way many viral illnesses are. You cannot directly catch shingles from someone else. However, if a person has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, they can contract the varicella zoster virus from someone with shingles, which would likely cause chickenpox, not shingles, as a first-time infection.

Shingles predominantly affects people over the age of 50, and the risk of complications increases with age. “As we grow older, our immune system weakens, which makes it easier for the virus to reactivate,” says Dr. Chaudhary. Additionally, immune-suppressing conditions or the use of medications such as corticosteroids can further raise the likelihood of reactivation.

Though shingles is visible as a rash, its internal symptoms can mimic more severe issues. Patients have reported pain that feels like it originates from the heart, kidneys, or lungs. In cases where cranial nerves are involved, patients may experience symptoms such as facial paralysis or vision disturbances, which can closely resemble those of a stroke. This makes it critical to seek immediate medical attention when unusual symptoms occur.

More alarming is the growing connection between shingles and cardiovascular health. “Recent studies suggest that shingles increases the risk of major cardiovascular events—such as heart attacks and strokes—by nearly 30 percent,” warns Dr. Chaudhary. “The risk is particularly high during the first week after a shingles diagnosis, and research shows it can remain elevated for more than a decade.” Although the precise cause is still being investigated, scientists believe the virus may trigger inflammation and damage to blood vessels, which heightens cardiovascular risks.

Fortunately, shingles is preventable. The CDC strongly recommends a two-dose vaccine for adults over the age of 50. The vaccine is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and its complications. “By getting vaccinated, you not only reduce your chances of a painful illness but also potentially lower your risk of heart attack or stroke,” emphasizes Dr. Chaudhary.

With greater awareness, early intervention, and widespread vaccination, the severe consequences of shingles — both on the skin and the heart — can be significantly reduced.

Related Topics