The American Heart Association (AHA) has identified seven simple steps people can take to reduce their risk of heart disease. But new evidence suggests that the AHA's "Life's Simple 7" may wind up benefiting much more than patients' hearts. {C}

Too many people have died from smoking-related illnesses in the past 50 years. But there is good news: quitting smoking starts the healing process and immediately begins to reduce the risks of smoking-related disease.

Not all chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at the same risk. A recent study has found that COPD patients with reduced lung function are more likely to develop heart disease.