Despite all we know about the dangers of smoking, nearly one in 12 U.S. adults still does. And while many of them may want to kick the habit, concerns about weight gain is one excuse holding them back. If only they knew the irony of what smoking does to their belly fat…

Beta-blockers are often prescribed to prevent a second heart attack. But they come with risks of their own. And research shows not everyone benefits from them. This new information will help you talk to your doctor before you decide if they’re right for you.

There are a few risk factors that heart disease and cancer have in common, including smoking, diabetes and obesity. But a new connection that has surfaced goes deep inside the body and involves an injured or diseased heart’s release of tiny bubbles that promote the growth of cancer cells.

Polyphenols may keep cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions at bay, but how they do what they do in the body has been a mystery, until now. Researchers have nailed it down and provided a nice list of benefits you don’t want to miss out on and the foods that supply them.

For far too long, too many misconceptions about eating eggs have had us second-guessing: Are eggs good for us or as bad as they say? Fortunately, attitudes are changing and research like the latest shows giving up eggs can lead to cracks in your health when you need them most…

Men and women are different in many ways, including heart disease: Men may have the higher risk, but women face a higher rate of mortality. But women have an unfair advantage that can reduce that risk as much as 30 percent with much less effort than men…

The idea of suffering a stroke is a scary one. And what makes it even scarier are the potential long-term consequences. Researchers have known a link exists between stroke and higher dementia risk, but now they know that risk triples in a surprisingly short period of time…

If you’re a candidate for high blood pressure, you’ve surely been advised to lay off the salt. But what if I told you that you could, well, have your salt and eat it, too? That’s right — there’s another kind of salt out there, and though you may have to search for it, it’s well worth the reward…

The menopausal transition usually begins between 45 and 55. But a growing threat has been connected to rapid ovary aging as much as 10 years before a woman’s last period. Speeding up the biological clock is one thing, but harsher menopause symptoms and a higher risk for heart disease is another…

Most of us know that metabolic syndrome encompasses several conditions and is sort of a stern warning to get your “house” in order or face the serious threat of heart disease. But the worse metabolic syndrome gets, the worse your cancer risk gets too…

Plaque buildup clogs arteries and can lead to stroke and heart attack. This nasty mixture consists of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium and fibrin. But a shocking new ingredient seen in surgically removed plaques may make them even more dangerous.

Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol. Almost half of all Americans over the age of 75 are taking them. But while it may seem like a no-brainer to take a medication your doctor says will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, it could actually be your brain you’re risking…