Shingles and RSV affect more than the skin and lungs respectively – they can also put the heart at risk
For older adults, cardiovascular risk may rise during the illness and persist well after symptoms have eased.
Older adults face an elevated cardiovascular risk during illness and even after symptoms subside. This risk may persist for months or even a year after recovery. Tad Sato, a GSK community ambassador, aims to raise awareness about health, particularly shingles and RSV, after losing his mother to cancer. Shingles is a painful rash caused by a reactivated chickenpox virus, while RSV is a respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms. Both infections can have hidden effects on the heart.
Prof Tan Huay Cheem, a senior adviser of the National University Heart Centre, Singapore, explains that infections cause the body to launch an immune response that can damage the heart and blood vessels. RSV, which primarily affects the lungs, can strain the heart if oxygen levels drop. This strain may lead to heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or a heart attack in some cases.
RSV can also cause heart muscle inflammation, particularly in older adults or those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or compromised immunity.
Shingles, caused by a reactivated chickenpox virus, can also impact cardiovascular health. The inflammation from the virus and the physical stress of the illness may trigger inflammation that destabilizes existing cholesterol deposits, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes. A study found that the risk of heart attacks and strokes increased by 68% and 78% respectively within the first week of a shingles outbreak. The heightened risk may continue for months or even a year after the infection.
Recognizing the signs of a heart-related issue during or after an infection is crucial. Seek immediate medical attention for crushing chest pain, pain radiating to the face, neck, back, or left arm, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face, slurred speech, severe dizziness, unexplained fainting, sudden shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or ankles, or a racing or irregular heartbeat.
Prof Tan advises adults aged 50 and above, including those who feel well, to discuss their health risks with their family doctor and inquire about how infections may affect their cardiovascular health. He emphasizes that protecting the heart involves more than just diet and exercise; it also includes proactive steps to safeguard one's health and reduce strain.
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