Recent studies on shingles have proven that having them at younger ages could increase risks of having strokes or heart attacks in the later stages of life. The varicella zoster virus or herpes zoster causes shingles and it’s also responsible for causing chicken pox. Shingles come as painful rashes and fiery blisters and they could bring about further infections when left untreated. They are worse enough torment to have on their own. This virus stays dormant in nerve roots of those who suffered previously. Research has revealed that people aged between 18 and 40 and had shingles in an earlier life stage were more susceptible to having a heart attack or warning stroke later on.
What Is the Link between Heart Attack/Stroke?
The herpes zoster virus is known to foster viral infections that are very harmful to the body and can inflate the circulatory system. Inflammation brings about chronic heart problems that might not be discovered immediately but grow to full term and explode later on when the immune system is extremely weak and unable to defend itself. The current rate of cardiovascular diseases is too high due to awful lifestyle habits such as excessive drinking, smoking, eating of junk foods that lead to obesity and lack of exercising which results in huge fat deposits in the heart. All these factors combined and the herpes zoster virus to add could lead to derailed heart health and overall body collapse.
Who Are at A Greater Risk of getting affected?
People aged 18 to 40 are at a higher risk of giving in to stroke and heart attacks due to the poor lifestyle choices they make. They are at a risk percentage of approximately 74% as compared to their counterparts in the 50 to 60 age group.
Is There a Known Vaccine For This know Virus?
Yes the herpes zoster vaccine does exist and it was designed to help prevent shingles. It is recommended mostly for people aged over 60. Pointing out to latest findings though, there is great need for this vaccine to be administered to the younger age group as well since they stand more exposed to worse outcomes. Shingle vaccinations are known to reduce such cases by over 50%. The lower the risk of having shingles, the less powerful the virus shall be and the lower the amount of harm and further infections it can cause.
What Preventive Measures can be Taken To Prevent These?
Previously shingle-infected patients should be treated more aggressively to ensure complete elimination of the herpes zoster virus and to completely destabilize it. They should also be monitored closely long after the shingles have disappeared. They must be put on constant observation and given treatment for stroke and heart attack prevention no matter what ages they are. There has to be a great amount of vigilance on the part of medical providers.
Olivia Bergin is a Passionate blogger. She has been writing contents on the web professionally since 2006. As an avid reader and blogger, she shares her experience through her articles on Health, Beauty, Technology, Parenting and many more.
