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.

Brazilian authorities on Wednesday approved the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine, describing it as a “historic” step amid a global surge in cases fueled by rising temperatures. Dengue, which causes severe flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue, and body aches, hit record global levels in 2024, with scientists linking its rapid spread to climate change. Brazil’s health regulatory body ANVISA cleared the use of Butantan-DV, created by the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, for individuals aged 12 to 59.

Until now, the only dengue vaccine available globally was TAK-003, which requires two doses spaced three months apart, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Here’s everything currently known about this single-dose vaccine.

Also Read: GRAP 3 Restrictions Revoked In Delhi-NCR: What Residents Can Use Again And What Stays Restricted

Dengue Single Dose Vaccine Approved In Brazil

On Wednesday, November 26, Anvisa approved the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine. The announcement followed the signing of a term considered the final step in registering the vaccine, produced entirely at a national laboratory, during a press conference, as reported by CNN Brazil. The development of Butantan-DV is the result of collaboration between Brazil’s Ministry of Health, the Butantan Institute, and the Chinese lab Wu Xi.

Butantan-DV: All You Need To Know About The Single Dose Dengue Vaccine

Anvisa stated that the new vaccine uses live attenuated virus technology and is currently approved for people aged 12 to 59—a range that could expand if new studies support it. The Ministry of Health will determine the official vaccination start date and the target age group. The registration request for the vaccine was submitted by the Butantan Institute in January 2025. Anvisa fast-tracked its evaluation, forming a technical panel that included external experts to review the process.

What Is A Live Attenuated Virus?

A live attenuated virus is a weakened form of a virus used in vaccines to trigger a strong and lasting immune response without causing the full-blown disease. These viruses are developed in a lab, often through repeated culturing, so they can replicate in the body but only in a limited way. By closely mimicking a natural infection, they prompt the immune system to respond similarly to how it would during a real infection, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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How Effective Is This Single Dose Dengue Vaccine?

CNN Brazil reported that the Ministry of Health found the vaccine to have an overall efficacy of 74.7% against symptomatic dengue for people aged 12 to 59. This means that nearly three out of four people were protected from the disease. Protection was similar for those who had previously had dengue and those who were never exposed to the virus.

In 2024, over 14 million dengue cases were reported globally, marking a record year, according to ScienceDirect and WHO. The death toll reached more than 9,500. While the Americas reported the highest number of cases, dengue continues to affect more than 100 countries worldwide.

Dengue, often called “breakbone fever” because of its intense symptoms, can in severe cases lead to hemorrhagic fever and even death. The disease spreads through infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are now appearing in areas beyond their traditional habitats, resulting in dengue cases in parts of Europe and the United States where it was previously uncommon.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday lifted the Stage 3 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi NCR after the region saw a steady improvement in air quality over the past three days. Delhi’s 24 hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 327, and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that the air is expected to stay in the very poor range.

Even with this slight relief, the Commission noted that measures under Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the revised GRAP, notified on November 21, will remain active. These curbs will be tracked closely across the National Capital Region to prevent pollution levels from rising again.

Also Read: Mounjaro Users Face Higher Weight And Diabetes Risk After Halting Injections, Study Says

GRAP 3 Restrictions Revoked in Delhi NCR: What Restrictions Are Lifted?

With Stage 3 now withdrawn, the rule that required offices to operate with half their staff working from home has ended, and schools are no longer expected to follow hybrid classes. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed this in a post on X.

Previously, the Delhi government had instructed its departments and private workplaces to keep only 50 per cent of employees on site while the rest worked remotely.

Here is what continues under GRAP I and GRAP II.

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Restrictions under GRAP I

GRAP Stage 1 calls for the following steps in Delhi:

• Strict checks on vehicles that pollute, smoother traffic flow, and emission controls in units such as industries, power plants and brick kilns.
• A ban on open waste burning, limits on the use of diesel generators, and a stop on using coal or firewood in eateries.
• Public transport stays fully operational, with people encouraged to choose it over personal vehicles.

GRAP Stage II involves the use of mechanised road sweepers, anti smog guns, and daily water sprinkling to reduce dust and particulate matter.

Restrictions under GRAP II

These are the curbs under GRAP Stage 2:

• Ban on coal and firewood use in Delhi.
• Diesel generators cannot be used unless needed for essential or emergency services.
• Construction and demolition sites and industrial units facing specific closure orders are not allowed to restart activity.

GRAP 3 Curbs Lifted But AQI Remains In Very Poor Category

Air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas stayed at troubling levels on Wednesday. The morning AQI was 371, which falls in the very poor category. This was an improvement from 420 at the same time on Tuesday, according to readings from the air quality platform aqi.in.

During winter, Delhi NCR enforces GRAP-based restrictions depending on the air quality level. The plan divides pollution levels into four stages. Stage 1 is Poor with an AQI of 201 to 300. Stage 2 is Very Poor with an AQI of 301 to 400. Stage 3 is Severe with an AQI of 401 to 450. Stage 4 is Severe Plus with an AQI above 450. Cold conditions, along with emissions from vehicles, stubble burning, firecrackers, and other local sources, often push the region into unhealthy air quality during this season.

Health benefits gained from using popular weight loss injection Mounjaro are reversed when patients stop taking the jab, a new study has suggested. The medication, which contains tirzepatide, is often called the “King Kong” of weight loss shots, with earlier research showing it can help people lose up to 25 per cent of their body weight in about 18 months. A new study now reports that once patients discontinue the jab, many put weight back on and also lose other gains, such as lower blood pressure and improved levels of unhealthy cholesterol.

The research, published in Jama Internal Medicine, tracked 308 people who had lost weight and seen improvements in several health markers during their course of tirzepatide.

Also Read: The Risk You Didn't Know: Delhi's Toxic Air Can Also Impact Your Blood Health

Health Benefits Of Mounjaro Reverses When Jabs Halted

According to The Independent, the team found that after the group stopped the medication, 82 per cent of the participants regained 25 per cent or more of the weight they had previously lost. Those who gained weight again also saw their blood pressure and cholesterol return towards earlier levels that had improved during treatment.

“Higher weight regain on withdrawal of tirzepatide was associated with a greater reversal of improvements in cardiometabolic parameters achieved with tirzepatide treatment,” the Surmount 4 researchers wrote. “These findings support the need for continued obesity treatment in adults living with obesity.”

Earlier this year, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said many people tend to regain weight if they do not receive proper support after stopping weight loss medicines. This followed new work published in BMC Medicine that observed a wider pattern of weight returning once treatment courses ended.

Nice stressed the value of building long term habits, using self tracking tools and drawing on different forms of support, from online groups to family based help and local activities. “Successful weight management does not end when medication stops or when someone completes a behavioural programme,” said Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at Nice.

Also Read: CDC To Appoint Vaccine-Skeptic Surgeon Ralph Abraham As Deputy Director

“We know the period after treatment is vital, and people need steady support to hold on to the progress they have made. This new standard ensures services offer that continuity of care, and it helps the NHS 10 Year Plan move towards a model that places greater focus on prevention instead of illness.”

Mounjaro Benefits Including Weight Loss Are Reversed When Use Stops: Why This Happens?

Excess weight is closely tied to higher blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol trends and weaker glucose control. Professor Naveed Sattar, a cardiometabolic expert involved in earlier phases of the Surmount programme, explained that it is understandable to see these risk factors rise when weight returns. The quicker and more fully the weight comes back, the more these risks tend to climb. In short, tirzepatide does not create a lasting reset. While the medicine is taken and weight is lower, health markers improve. When treatment ends and weight rises again, those improvements fade.

What This Means If You Are Using Mounjaro Or A Similar Medicine?

For many people, the findings underline that obesity is a long-term condition rather than a short-term task. Medicines that influence appetite and hormones work while they remain part of treatment. When they are stopped, the body often drifts back towards its earlier weight, especially if past eating patterns and activity levels return. If you are using tirzepatide or a related medicine and are considering stopping, it is important to discuss this with your diabetes or weight management team so that your next steps are supported properly.