Abstract

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a double-stranded DNA virus from the Herpesviridae family that affects humans only. The first clinical manifestation appears to be varicella, typical of childhood. After primary infection, however, VZV becomes latent in ganglion neurons along the entire neuroaxis. In the elderly and in immunocompromised individuals, the VZV reactivates and travels along the peripheral nerve fibers resulting in Zoster. However, it can also spread centrally and infect cerebral and extracranial arteries resulting in vasculopathy that can result in transient ischemic attacks, strokes, aneurysms, cavernous sinus thrombosis and giant cell arteritis, as well as granulomatous aortitis. The mechanisms of virusinduced pathological vascular remodeling are not fully understood; however, recent studies suggest that the inflammation and dysregulation of ligand-1 programmed death play a significant role. Few studies, on the other hand, evaluate the involvement of VZV in cardiovascular disease. This review therefore aims to analyze the link between VZV and cardiovascular disease, the efficacy of the vaccine as a protective mechanism and the target population of heart disease patients who could benefit from vaccination.

Keywords: VZV; HF; ACS; Vaccination