Health Expert Highlights Increased Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke in People with Shingles Who Have Heart Conditions

An infectious disease expert is warning Cebuanos aged 50 and above, especially those with hypertension and heart disease, about the serious risks of shingles— a painful viral infection that can trigger heart attacks and strokes.

During a media roundtable discussion for Shingles Awareness Week last February 28, Dr. Shayne Morales, an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist, stressed that the risk of cardiovascular complications is highest during the first week of a shingles outbreak.

Shingles: A Hidden Threat Among Cebuanos aged 50 and above and with heart conditions

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, occurs when the dormant varicella-zoster virus—responsible for chickenpox—reactivates due to weakened immunity caused by aging, stress, or chronic illness. The primary symptom is a painful rash accompanied by sharp, shooting nerve pain, which can persist for months or even years, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

There are 18.9 million Filipinos aged 50 and above who are at increased risk of having shingles. More than 90% of adults carry the latent or “sleeping” virus, and 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles in their lifetime. Cebu’s aging population and increasing cases of chronic illnesses make this a pressing health concern.

“The misconception is that the virus is gone once the chickenpox clears, but shingles proves otherwise,” Dr. Morales explained. “Beyond its severe nerve pain, shingles also raises the risk of cardiovascular complications. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes—both prevalent in Cebu—you need to be extra cautious.”

Scientific studies have shown a dramatic increase in cardiovascular risks for those who develop shingles:

• The risk of heart attack surges by 68% within the first week of infection.
• The risk of stroke increases by 80% within the first two weeks.

“The virus reactivation can lead to inflammation in the blood vessels, causing blockages that make it harder for blood to reach the heart and brain,” Dr. Morales explained. “This is why people with preexisting heart conditions are much more vulnerable to complications of shingles.”

Rising Hypertension Cases in Cebu Heighten Concern

Local data underscores the urgency of the issue. Cebu City Health Department (CHD) reports hypertension cases have surged from 1,098 in early 2023 to 2,901 in the first quarter of 2024. This spike means more Cebuanos are vulnerable to the severe complications should they have shingles.

“For seniors and those with chronic conditions, the risk is even higher,” Dr. Morales stated. “Studies show that individuals with hypertension who develop shingles face a 60% higher risk of heart attack or stroke. With heart disease already a leading cause of death worldwide, this should be a wake-up call for many in Cebu.”

Preventing Shingles, Heart Attack and Stroke

The medical expert highlighted the importance of prevention as the best way to avoid shingles and its serious complications. The good news is that Cebuanos can take proactive steps to protect themselves from it and the severe complications associated with it, including heart attack and stroke. Dr. Morales enumerated three key measures for prevention:

1. Regular Health Check-Ups – Monitoring blood pressure, heart health, and overall wellness helps detect potential issues early and enables timely medical intervention.
2. Managing Chronic Conditions – Keeping hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses under control through proper medication, a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical consultations is crucial in reducing health risks.
3. Shingles Prevention – Those aged 50 and above, especially those with heart conditions, should seek medical advice on shingles prevention to assess their risk and explore available options to stay protected.

Given the aging population and the increasing cases of hypertension within Cebu, awareness and prevention of shingles-related complications are initiatives more crucial than ever.

“Shingles is not just about a painful rash—it’s about your long-term health,” Dr. Morales emphasized. “With no way to predict how long nerve pain will last, prevention is the best protection. If you’re over 50 or have chronic conditions, talk to your doctor about shingles treatment and prevention.” (MCN)