The shingles virus is an unwelcome visitor, one that causes an excruciatingly painful rash for up to six weeks.
Now, research published in the journal P-L-O-S Medicine highlights another downside of shingles: Seniors who get shingles are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, beginning about a week after diagnosis.
Between 2006 and 2013, 43,000 Medicare patients with shingles also had a stroke. Another 24,000 patients had a heart attack while battling shingles. That’s a significantly higher number of heart attacks and strokes when compared to the seniors who weren’t suffering from shingles, researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine found.
What could heighten the heart attack and stroke risk among shingles patients? Stress, increased blood pressure, virus-induced damage to the circulatory system and increased inflammation are possible reasons, researchers said. According to the National Institutes of Health, shingles can affect internal organs, just like it breaks out on the skin. Knowing that, it makes sense that the virus could negatively affect heart health.
If you suspect shingles, see a doctor right away and ask about anti-viral drugs. The medications won’t cure the disease, but may bring faster, easier recovery.
Patients should also know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke, and call for emergency medical attention if they appear. Heart attack symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and a cold sweat. A drooping face, difficulty speaking and arm weakness are typical signs of stroke.
While shingles can cause many problems throughout the body, there is a way to ward it off: get a vaccine that can prevent the ailment. In fact, the U.S. Centers for disease control recommend the shingles vaccine for people over age 60.