Shingles Sufferers at a Higher Risk for Stroke

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, individuals with shingles had a 30 percent higher chance of suffering a stroke. The study, which examined 7,760 patients with the viral disease and 23,280 without, all of whom were over the age of 18 (with an average age of 47), also indicated that those who had shingles around the eyes were at greater risk.

The main symptom of shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash that can occur anywhere on the body. It is developed from the same infection that causes chicken pox, and individuals who experienced chicken pox in their youth can be in danger of contracting shingles in adulthood as the virus can remain in the nerve cells of the skin for years before it develops irritating skin rashes. A breakout usually starts on one side of the body or face, leading to blisters, scabbing and itching. Those with shingles close to the eyes were believed to be 4.28 times more at risk of suffering a stroke. There are antiviral treatments – lasting for a course of seven to 10 days – that can reduce the intensity of shingles, but these are only effective if the disease is caught early, in the first 72 hours.

The number of annual cases of shingles is quite small – less than 1.5 per 1,000 of the world’s population – but those over the age of 65 are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease, as well as being more susceptible to stroke. Early signs of oncoming shingles including dizziness, headaches and high fever, are not exclusively indicative of the disease and can often result in misdiagnosis. These symptoms are usually followed by a burning sensation, irritation or paresthesia (the sensation referred to as ‘pins and needles’).

On the other hand, stroke symptoms – such as dizziness, confused speech and loss of feeling on one side of the body – make it easier to predict an oncoming attack, but many cases are still misdiagnosed. Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and the primary cause of disabilities in adults in Europe and the US. Strokes occur when blood supplies to the brain are blocked, which generally results in mental and physical malfunction, often permanent in nature.

Leading the study was Jiunn-Horng Kang, M.D., M.Sc, Chair of the Sleep Physiological Lab at Taipei Medical University Hospital and attending physician in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Kang was quick to point out that the link between shingles and strokes was not entirely understood, but the evidence of this study clearly shows a direct correlation between the two. He also stated that both patient and doctor “must pay extra attention to controlling other risk factors for stroke.” These include high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking, amongst others.

For anyone with shingles, it is highly recommended to take preventive measures against strokes. High blood pressure, smoking and poor diet can all increase the risk, and adopting a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding stress will reduce the danger significantly.

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