Introduction
Shingles is a painful and uncomfortable skin condition that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is estimated that one in three people will develop shingles at some point in their life. Recent research has found that having shingles is linked to a 30% higher risk of developing heart disease. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of shingles so that you can seek medical attention if necessary. This article will provide an overview of the symptoms of shingles and how to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Shingles Linked to 30% Higher Risk of Heart Disease: Here Are the Symptoms
Shingles, a painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, is linked to a 30% higher risk of heart disease, according to a new study published in the journal Circulation. The study found that people who had shingles were more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event within the next five years.
The study looked at data from more than 1.3 million people in the United Kingdom, and found that those who had shingles were 30% more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event within the next five years. The risk was even higher for those who had shingles more than once.
The researchers believe that the virus that causes shingles may cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to heart disease. They also suggest that the virus may weaken the immune system, making it more vulnerable to other illnesses.
If you have had shingles, it is important to be aware of the potential risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and any lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. Some of the symptoms of shingles include a rash, blisters, itching, and pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
It is also important to take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking are all important steps to take. Additionally, if you have had shingles, it is important to get regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your heart health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows adults who have had shingles are 30% more likely to have stroke or coronary heart disease. The longitudinal study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA followed individuals for 16 years, and their observations further support previous links between shingles and heart disease. “Although some previous studies showed a higher risk of stroke or heart attack around the time of the shingles infection, it was not known whether this higher risk persisted in the long term,” says lead author Dr. Sharon E. Curhan, epidemiologist and physician at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Channing Division of Network Medicine. Here are five symptoms of shingles to be aware of, and the best method to protect against the viral infection. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
A red, blistering rash is the most recognizable symptom of shingles. If the rash breaks out on the face or scalp, it can cause headaches. “Researchers believe that the virus reactivates due to weakening of the immune system as we age,” says Arun K. Nagpaul, MD. “The virus may also reactivate when the immune system is weakened by stress, various ailments, or certain medications. The reactivated virus presents as the shingles rash that is painful scattered red lesions on the area of the skin that is associated with the infected nerve root. The rash, confined to the nerve roots near the skin’s surface, is the hallmark of shingles.”
The shingles virus can cause tingling or numbness. “Shingles painful blistering rash tends to occur on one side of the body confined as stated earlier to the distribution of a nerve root,” says Dr. Nagpaul. There may be numbness, tingling or even pain days prior to the eruption of the rash. The rash and discomfort usually resolve within weeks, but may persist longer. If the area involved includes the face or eyes, a consultation with an eye specialist may be warranted to ensure there is no risk to vision.”
Unexplained long-term fatigue could be a sign of shingles, experts say. “It’s more likely that whatever has been the trigger for your outbreak has made you tired,” says Shingles Support Society director Marion Nicholson. “For example, we often find that a person was unwell or overtired, or had an operation or even bereavement, and this stress or exhaustion occurred before shingles appears. The tiredness and general feelings of being unwell will most likely be gone within four weeks—at most, six weeks.”
Did you know shingles can cause nausea? ”This is typically one of the most common shingles symptoms that gets mistaken for something else,” according to Southeast Dermatology Specialists. “Most people can attribute nausea to something they ate or drank. Unfortunately, this symptom progresses to the point of being flu-like, though vomiting is a relatively uncommon result of this nausea. Instead, patients often report sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, and a general feeling of lasting queasiness. One important thing to note is that unlike the flu, nausea that precedes a shingles outbreak typically doesn’t come with a fever. This is a key differentiator in these two conditions.”
The best way to protect against shingles and shingles complications is to get vaccinated. The Shingrix vaccine is 97% effective for adults under 70 and 90% for those over 70. “Even If you had a mild form of chickenpox where you didn’t suffer from symptoms, you can develop shingles,” says Farvah Fatima, MD, a family medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health. “If you get two doses of the vaccine, spaced two months apart at age 50, you’re largely protected for life. You might still get shingles, but it will be a milder case than without vaccination.”
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