Quitting smoking helps hearts, even with weight gain

By Genevra Pittman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – People who have quit smoking have a lower chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke than current smokers – even if they put on a few extra pounds in the process, according to a new study. Although the long-term cardiovascular benefits of kicking the habit have been well-established, researchers said it's been unclear how the weight gain that often accompanies quitting fits into that picture. "Weight gain is a real concern for smokers who want to quit and this might not only be an aesthetic one," Dr. …