Smokers who make the decision to quit will experience immediate health benefits, including a rapid reduction in their risk of atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. The study, conducted by Dr. Gregory Marcus, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, offers compelling evidence for smokers to quit, showing that it’s never too late to avoid the damaging effects of smoking on heart health.

Dr. Marcus, the senior author of the study, emphasized that A-Fib can be prevented even in individuals who have smoked for years. "The findings provide a compelling new reason to show current smokers that it’s not too late to quit, and that having smoked in the past doesn’t mean you’re ‘destined’ to develop A-Fib," Marcus explained. "Even for the current and longtime smoker, A-Fib can still be avoided."

What is Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)?

"There’s strong evidence that smoking increases the risk of A-Fib," Marcus said. "But the benefits of quitting smoking have been less certain." With this in mind, his team sought to determine whether quitting could significantly lower a person’s risk of developing A-Fib, or if the risk would remain the same.

The research team analyzed data from over 146,700 current and former smokers, tracking their smoking habits and health over a 12-year period using data from the UK Biobank database. The results were promising: former smokers had a 13% lower risk of developing A-Fib compared to current smokers, while those who quit during the study saw an 18% reduction in their risk.

"This is likely a testament to the potency of reducing atrial fibrillation risk pretty shortly after quitting," Marcus said in a statement from the American College of Cardiology.

The findings highlight the importance of quitting smoking, not only for general health but specifically for reducing the risk of serious heart conditions like A-Fib.

Tips for Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of A-Fib and improve overall heart health. While it can be challenging, the benefits of quitting are clear and immediate. Here are some tips to help you quit smoking successfully:

1. Choose a specific date to quit smoking and stick to it. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for this change.

2. Reach out to family, friends, or a support group to help keep you accountable. Sharing your goals with others can provide encouragement.

3. Options like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

4. Identify situations that make you want to smoke, such as stress or social gatherings, and find healthy ways to cope with them.

5. Regular exercise can help distract you from cravings and improve your mood during the quitting process.

6. Drinking water can help flush nicotine out of your system faster, reducing cravings.

7. Activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress, a common trigger for smoking.

Quitting smoking offers immediate and significant benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation. The latest research provides smokers with more motivation to quit, showing that it's never too late to take control of their heart health.

Norway's King Harald V died on Friday at an Oslo hospital where he was undergoing treatment for a rare blood disorder. He was 89.

“King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday 28 August, 0635 (local time, 0435 GMT),” the Royal Palace said on its website.

Harald, who was Europe's oldest living monarch, had been hospitalized on August 17. He was initially being treated for complications related to hemolytic anemia — a blood condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. He later developed an infection.

King Harald V’s Health Deteriorated

Harald's condition worsened in recent days after he was admitted to hospital with fluid accumulation in the body linked to a blood disorder. He subsequently developed an infection.

Family members were called to his bedside on Thursday as his condition deteriorated at Oslo University Hospital.

Following his death, the royal flag was flown at half-mast on the palace roof.

Harald had faced several medical setbacks in recent years. He underwent heart surgeries in 2005 and 2020 and was hospitalised multiple times for infections.

What Is Hemolytic Anemia?

According to Johns Hopkins, haemolytic anaemia is a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. The destruction of red blood cells is known as haemolysis.

Red blood cells normally carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When they are destroyed prematurely and faster than the bone marrow can replace them, the number of circulating red blood cells falls.

This can reduce the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues and cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hemolytic Anemia?

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• Abnormally pale skin
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-coloured urine
• Fever
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Reduced ability to tolerate physical activity
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Heart murmur

These symptoms can also occur with other blood conditions or health problems. A healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis.

How Is Haemolytic Anaemia Diagnosed And Treated?

Diagnosis may involve tests such as:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urine test
• Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Blood transfusions
• Corticosteroid medicines
• Intravenous immune globulin to help regulate the immune system
• Rituximab

In more severe cases, treatment may include surgery to remove the spleen or immunosuppressive therapy to reduce immune-system activity.

King Harald V’s Family

Harald leaves behind his wife, Queen Sonja, his son and new King Haakon, daughter Princess Märtha Louise and six grandchildren.

Harald V was the first Norwegian-born prince in 567 years.

Following Harald's death, hundreds of people gathered outside the palace in Oslo to lay flowers, while the government declared nationwide mourning until after his funeral.

Harald's 53-year-old son will become Norway's new king, Haakon VIII, while Haakon's 22-year-old daughter Ingrid Alexandra becomes crown princess.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced recalls of multiple injectable drugs from Baxter International over potential contamination with fiberglass and stainless-steel particles.

Baxter voluntarily recalled:

• two injections used to provide nutrition, water, and electrolytes to patients.
• an injectable anticoagulant — a substance used to slow blood clotting — was also recalled, but the affected product was distributed to only one customer.

In a notice, the FDA said the medications could be contaminated with fiberglass or stainless-steel particles. Injecting contaminated products intravenously may lead to serious adverse health consequences.

“Particulate matter can cause blockage and clotting in blood vessels, which can cut off blood flow to vital organs, lead to a life-threatening blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and cause permanent organ damage or death,” the FDA said.

“Additionally, these particles may cause local vein irritation, inflammatory reaction, aggravation of preexisting infections, and allergic

reactions,” it added. Baxter said it has not received any reports of adverse events related to the issue.

Which Medications Were Recalled?

The recalled Baxter medications include:

• 70% Dextrose Injection, USP, 2000 mL, in a Viaflex plastic container.

• 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 500 mL, in a Viaflex plastic container.

• Anticoagulant Sodium Citrate Solution USP, 250 mL, in a Viaflex plastic container. The FDA noted that this product was distributed to only one customer.

Nutrition Injection Recalled

The 70% Dextrose Injection is a liquid solution mixed with other fluids to provide calories and nutrition through a person's veins when they cannot get necessary nutrients by mouth or through a feeding tube, USA Today reported.

The impacted products were sold between July 25 and July 28 to healthcare providers and distributors in several states, including Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. No adverse reactions have been reported.

Water And Electrolyte Injection Recalled

The 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is commonly used as a source of water and electrolytes. It is administered through the veins when a person cannot get adequate amounts through eating, drinking or other medical treatments.

The injection may also be used during medical procedures, including blood transfusions and hemodialysis, a procedure that helps filter waste from the blood when the kidneys cannot do so adequately.

The impacted product was distributed between July 31 and August 3 to healthcare providers and distributors in several states, including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. No adverse reactions have been reported.

India’s national capital is reporting a significant surge in influenza H1N1 cases. In the last 24 hours, Delhi reported 166 fresh H1N1 cases, up from 138 cases recorded the previous day, taking the cumulative tally to 2,612, officials said.

The total number of H1N1 cases in Delhi stood at 2,612, while cumulative Influenza-A cases were around 3,300, according to an official statement.

Delhi Reviews Hospital Preparedness

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh inspected Indira Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka amid the rising number of H1N1 cases in the national capital and reviewed the hospital's and the Health Department's preparedness.

The Minister said he has been closely monitoring preparedness across hospitals.

Beyond Delhi, areas including Mumbai and Bengaluru have also reported a significant spike in H1N1 cases.

DG ICMR Dr. Rajiv Bahl said H1N1 in India is showing expected seasonal changes, with no unusual genetic shift detected.

“No cause for panic: seasonal influenza remains self-limiting; no new or unusual virus strain detected,” he added.

Doctors Flag Atypical H1N1 Symptoms

Dr. Atul Kakkar, Senior Consultant and Head of Department, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told HealthandMe that H1N1 cases are significantly higher than last year, possibly due in part to seasonal changes.

Most patients are presenting with flu-like symptoms, including cold, cough, body aches and upper respiratory tract infections.

However, doctors are also seeing atypical symptoms.

“We are seeing patients having diarrhea also and myalgias, which are getting very, very frequent.”

Patients at extreme ages are more prone to complications and may require oxygen, high-flow oxygen, NIV or BiPAP, he said. Those at higher risk include people who are unvaccinated against flu, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those with COPD, bronchial asthma, cancer or those on immunosuppressive treatment.

H1N1 Can Affect The Heart

As per experts, H1N1 infection may also be associated with cardiovascular complications, including:

• Heart inflammation
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Worsening heart failure

“Those with pre-existing heart conditions should be more vigilant whilst they’re recuperating. As the infection puts more work on the body, you can find that previous heart problems are more noticeable,” he added.

H1N1 Can Affect The Eyes

While H1N1 primarily causes fever and respiratory symptoms, some people also have some eye discomfort and sudden vision changes.

Dr. Maitri Jindal Chowdhary, Consultant, Ophthalmology: Yashoda Medicity told HealthandMe that eye symptoms during H1N1 may manifest as a bit of redness, watery eyes, some irritation or dryness, which should resolve as the H1N1 is overcome. But a change in vision definitely warrant an eye professional’s attention.

The expert said that vision changes such as blurry or double vision, acute vision loss, seeing flashes of light or floaters or a drop in your vision should be brought to the attention of an eye doctor. Don’t automatically attribute such vision changes to your “flu”.

"Some eye concerns are of course not as serious. There might be some watering of eyes, slight discomfort that resolve as you feel better. However if symptoms such as sudden blurry vision persists, if eye irritation persists or worsens – you need to get yourself checked out.

Likewise if you feel pain in the eye, there’s an alarming redness, a lot of light sensitivity, swelling or an discharge - go get those eyes checked out," Dr. Maitri told HealthandMe.

Be very careful if you wear contact lenses. Do not wear them if your eyes become red, painful or vision blurring as this could worsen the issue. Remove your contacts immediately and seek attention.