Chicken pox can return as an infection that causes stroke. Here’s what you must know

A re-activation of the chicken pox virus that spreads through contact with the rash, Shingles increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke in the elderly.

People who develop shingles – a re-activation of the chicken pox virus which commonly affects older people – may face a ballooning risk of heart attack or stroke, according to researchers in South Korea.

According to researchers, the riskiest period for stroke, heart attack is the first year after infection. The dangers seem to decline after that. (Istock.com)

Their study found that people with shingles saw an overall 41% higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, when compared to an age-matched control group that did not develop shingles.

The risk of stroke was 35% higher and heart attack 59% higher, said the report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The riskiest period was the first year after infection, and the dangers appeared to decline after that.

Researchers also found the risk for stroke was highest in those under 40. The study was based on a medical database of 519,880 patients whose records were tracked from 2003-2013. Researchers are unclear why shingles would boost the risk of cardiovascular problems, and said more study is needed.

Nearly one in three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection, which may cause blisters, rash and shooting pain, can affect anyone who has had chicken pox.

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It can be spread through direct contact with the rash, but not by air. A vaccine against shingles is available and is recommended for people 60 and older, according to the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

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