New Study Reveals Firepox Vaccine Can Prevent Heart Disease

Illustration of a firepox vaccine is effective in preventing heart disease (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Recent research reveals the herpes zoster vaccine, which is generally given to the elderly to prevent smallpox, also has additional benefits in reducing the risk of heart disease. This protective effect can last up to eight years after vaccination.

Reporting from Medical Daily, the results of a study published in the European Heart Journal showed that this vaccine was able to reduce the possibility of major cardiovascular events, such as stroke,tender heart disease, and heart failure, to 23 percent.

"Our findings show that the herpes zoster vaccine not only prevents infection, but can also reduce the risk of heart disease, even in those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors," said Professor Dong Keon Yon, the lead researcher in the study.

Research data comes from more than one million South Koreans whose health has been tracked since 2012. The research team analyzed their vaccination history, heart health conditions, and other factors such as age, gender, economic status, and life habits.

When further analyzed, this vaccine was recorded to be able to reduce the risk of heart failure and heart attacks by up to 26 percent, as well ascut heart disease by up to 22 percent. The protective effect is most seen in men, individuals under the age of 60, as well as those who have an unhealthy lifestyle such as smokers, heavy alcohol standers, or rarely exercise.

Herpes zoster is known to cause blood vessel damage, trigger inflammation, and increase the risk of blood clots all factors that can trigger heart problems. Therefore, preventing Alzheimer's infection indirectly can also maintain heart health.

The herpes zoster infection itself causes a painful rash and serious complications, especially in seniors or individuals with low immune system. Without vaccination, about 30 percent of the population is at risk of contracting this infection throughout their lives.

The greater protection benefits for the younger age group are likely due to a more active immune response, while differences in the effect on men are thought to be related to biological variations in the response to vaccines.