A vaccine commonly used to prevent shingles may also provide powerful protection against serious heart problems, according to new research set to be presented at an upcoming medical conference.

The study suggests that people with heart disease who receive the shingles vaccine could significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other major cardiac events. Researchers found that vaccinated patients experienced nearly half the rate of such complications compared to those who did not receive the shot.

Lead researcher Dr. Robert Nguyen, a resident physician at the University of California, Riverside, said the findings highlight an unexpected benefit of vaccination. “This vaccine has consistently shown cardioprotective effects, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death,” Nguyen explained.

The protective impact appears especially strong among those already living with cardiovascular disease. In fact, Nguyen noted that the health benefits seen in vaccinated patients were comparable to those achieved by quitting smoking — a well-known step for improving heart health.

Shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can lie dormant in the body for decades before resurfacing. Previous research has linked shingles to an increased risk of blood clots, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes. By preventing shingles, the vaccine may also help reduce these dangerous complications.

For the study, researchers analyzed health data from nearly 247,000 adults in the United States diagnosed with heart disease caused by clogged arteries. About half of the participants had received the shingles vaccine, while the rest had not.

The results were striking. Within a year, vaccinated individuals were 46% less likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiac emergency. They also showed a 66% lower risk of death from any cause.

Breaking down the findings further, the vaccine was associated with a 32% reduction in heart attack risk and a 25% lower likelihood of stroke or heart failure.

Health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, already recommend the shingles vaccine for adults aged 50 and older, as well as younger individuals with weakened immune systems. These new findings may provide an additional incentive for those who are hesitant about vaccination.

“Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to prevent disease,” Nguyen said. “In an era where misinformation can cause uncertainty, this evidence offers yet another reason to consider getting vaccinated.”

While the results are promising, researchers caution that further studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits. Earlier research suggests the heart-protective effects of the shingles vaccine could last up to eight years.

The findings are scheduled to be presented on March 30 at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans. As with all research presented at medical conferences, the results should be considered preliminary until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal.