How Quitting Smoking Can Quickly Lower Risk Of A-Fib
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."
"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.
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.
Credit: PIB
Healthcare in India is no longer a privilege but is steadily becoming a right, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today while highlighting the government's efforts to expand affordable medical care, strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to treatment across the country.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony and launching development projects worth over ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh, spanning healthcare, education and road infrastructure, PM Modi stated that India's healthcare journey has undergone a transformational change over the past 12 years.
The Prime Minister said lower and middle-income families have benefited the most from the country's healthcare transformation.
"Health services in India are no longer a privilege; they are becoming an absolute right," PM Modi said.
Also read: Fourth COVID Death Reported in Andhra Pradesh: Experts Recommend Boosters For High-Risk Groups
In Chandigarh, the Prime Minister announced the expansion of healthcare facilities at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), including a new Neuroscience Centre, a Mother and Child Centre, and a Critical Care Hospital Block, saying the projects will provide better treatment facilities to millions of people.
He also announced the approval of a new MBBS college at PGIMER, saying the expansion of medical colleges and postgraduate seats will help address the shortage of doctors while creating more opportunities for aspiring medical students.
Highlighting the government's investments in healthcare, Modi said India has approved 15 new AIIMS since 2014, established hundreds of new medical colleges and expanded specialty hospitals across the country.
"Since 2014, fifteen new AIIMS have been approved, hundreds of new medical colleges have been established across the country, and specialized hospitals for the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer have been strengthened."
He added that strengthening primary healthcare remains a key priority under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
The Prime Minister said that under the mission, critical care blocks, integrated public health laboratories and public health units have been established across the country. He added that over 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational across rural, urban and tribal areas, providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including twelve healthcare service packages.
He noted that crores of citizens have been screened for hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases through these centers.
Read More: Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 Drug Wegovy Approved for Fatty Liver Disease in India
The Prime Minister highlighted the growing role of digital healthcare, noting that the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform has facilitated more than 48 crore consultations, enabling patients in remote areas to access specialist care without travelling long distances.
PM Modi said the healthcare improvements have contributed to better maternal and child health outcomes, with more than 90% of deliveries now taking place in healthcare institutions. He added that maternal mortality has declined by 86%, while infant mortality has also fallen significantly.
The Prime Minister also underlined the government's emphasis on preventive healthcare through initiatives such as the Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, yoga promotion, HPV vaccination and the U-WIN platform.
PM Modi reaffirmed the Government's commitment to eliminating tuberculosis, stating that the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has strengthened awareness, screening and treatment.
He noted that TB treatment coverage in the country has now crossed 90% and, citing a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, said India has recorded a 21% decline in tuberculosis cases over the past decade.
Recalling India's response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said the country has evolved from a nation once perceived as dependent on external assistance to a global destination for advanced medical treatment.
He attributed the transformation to sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure and policies aimed at making quality treatment affordable and accessible.
Modi said "India must continue investing in modern healthcare infrastructure and emerging technologies as part of its vision of becoming a developed nation".
Credit: iStock
India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh has reported four COVID-19 deaths amid a rise in infections, prompting experts to reiterate the importance of booster vaccination for older adults and people at high risk of severe disease.
While sporadic COVID-19 cases have continued to be reported across the country, fatalities have remained relatively uncommon. Health experts say the current situation does not resemble previous pandemic waves, but immunity from earlier vaccinations has waned, making booster doses important for vulnerable groups.
In an official statement, Andhra Pradesh Health Commissioner G. Veerapandian said that 12 people tested positive for COVID-19 across the state between June 26 and July 16. Of these, four patients with multiple comorbidities died.
The deceased had underlying conditions including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and other serious illnesses.
Although cases have increased in a few states and cities, hospitals are not experiencing the overwhelming admissions, oxygen shortages, or healthcare burden seen during earlier waves.
Also read: Omicron Sub-Lineages Likely Behind COVID Surge In India: Why Deaths Are Occurring
Experts say that while most current infections are mild, severe illness remains more likely in:
Read More: COVID Spikes In India: Experts Allay Fears, Stress Vaccination And Masks
Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Atul Kakar, Chairperson, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said booster doses remain advisable for people at highest risk.
"COVID vaccines are now again recommended, especially for the elderly population, particularly those of advanced age or who are immunocompromised. It is a voluntary vaccine that is indicated because immunity from earlier vaccinations has declined."
Dr. Manjeeta Nath Das, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, PB Health, said COVID-19 cases are rising in small pockets, particularly in South India, while immunity from previous vaccination has gradually waned.
"COVID is rising in India, especially in small pockets in South India. So we should all get re-vaccinated. It has been several years since the pandemic, and immunity from previous vaccinations has waned," Das told HealthandMe.
She recommended booster doses for:
She also said eligible people may consider an annual COVID-19 booster as immunity declines over time.
Dr. Kakar added that people with weakened immunity, immunodeficiency, advanced age, and pregnant women are among those who would benefit most from a booster.
Dr. Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said booster vaccination should focus on those at the highest risk rather than the general population.
"The focus has shifted from broad herd immunity to priority boosters for the elderly and high-risk groups such as cancer patients, people on dialysis, those with uncontrolled diabetes, patients on steroids, and immunosuppressed individuals."
She told HealthandMe that people who have previously been vaccinated may also consider a heterologous booster—receiving a different COVID-19 vaccine from the one used for their earlier doses—where appropriate and based on medical advice.
Credit: iStock/Wegovy
India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), has approved Wegovy (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) for the treatment of adults with fatty liver disease, Novo Nordisk announced today.
According to the company, Wegovy is the first and only GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) approved globally and in India for the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
"People with MASH face a higher risk of serious liver complications and heart-related disease. This approval is an important milestone, giving doctors and patients a new treatment option while also helping address obesity and related heart and metabolic diseases," said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India.
The approval is based on findings from the ESSENCE clinical trial, which showed that:
Semaglutide injection (Wegovy) is indicated, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive liver disease caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and liver damage.
According to Novo Nordisk, two in three Indians have fatty liver disease. The condition is often called a "silent disease" because many people do not develop symptoms until liver damage has become advanced. If left untreated, MASH can progress to severe liver complications.
"MASH is becoming more common in India as lifestyles change. In many people, early MASH has no obvious symptoms, so the condition may not be diagnosed until liver damage is more advanced," said Dr. Dharmesh Kapoor, Senior Consultant Hepatologist, Hyderabad.
He stressed the importance of early screening, particularly for people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic conditions.
"Wegovy has demonstrated benefits in reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis while also supporting weight management and blood sugar control, both of which are linked to MASH progression," Dr. Kapoor added.
Novo Nordisk said innovator semaglutide is backed by more than 50 clinical trials, 49 million patient-years of exposure, and extensive real-world evidence.
The medicine, manufactured using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, has been approved in 75 countries, including by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).
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