Receiving the shingles vaccination could slash the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack or stroke by as much as 20 per cent, groundbreaking research has revealed.
The pioneering global systematic review discovered that adults aged 18 and over who received the jab showed an 18 per cent reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
The results of the study, set to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual conference in Madrid this weekend, indicate the vaccine may offer significant heart health benefits beyond its primary function of preventing the painful viral condition.
The comprehensive analysis represents the first worldwide study examining this potential cardiovascular protective effect.
There is growing evidence that vaccinations reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
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The research team analysed three scientific literature databases, examining 19 studies in total.
Nine investigations satisfied the requirements for assessing vaccination's influence on cardiovascular outcomes, comprising eight observational studies and one randomised controlled trial.
For individuals aged 50 and above, the vaccination correlated with a 16 per cent decrease in cardiovascular event risk.
The immunisation typically involves a single course administered as two doses separated by several months.
The investigation's scope encompassed both younger and older populations, challenging conventional vaccination guidelines that primarily target elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
This broader demographic analysis revealed consistent cardiovascular benefits across age groups.
Dr Charles Williams, the study's author and global associate medical director at GSK, stated: "We looked at the currently available evidence, and found that in this analysis, vaccination against herpes zoster was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes."
He noted that additional research would be necessary to determine whether this correlation could be directly linked to the vaccination's effects.
Professor Filippo Crea from the Catholic University in Rome, who wasn't part of the research team, commented: "These results support a growing body of evidence which indicates that vaccinations reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease."
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Preventing shingles might offer cardiovascular protection by reducing inflammation
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Professor Bryan Williams, the British Heart Foundation's chief scientific and medical officer, acknowledged the promising results and highlighted the need for additional investigation.
He explained: "There is great interest in studies suggesting the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, although this analysis is largely based on observational studies, which cannot demonstrate cause and effect."
Professor Williams noted that preventing shingles might offer protection by reducing inflammation, a known contributor to heart and circulatory conditions.
The findings come as NHS England announced that from 1 September, an additional 300,000 individuals would qualify for the vaccination, specifically those aged 18 to 49 with severely compromised immune systems.