In another knock against smoking, researchers report that the heart's aorta can be damaged by the habit. This is kind of significant, as the aorta is the main artery carrying blood to the body.

Aortic inflammation, which is linked to smoking, can promote hardening of the arteries. An end result here can be manifested in the formation of aneurysms.

This chain leads to possible heart attacks, conclude the researchers. So, if smokers did not need another reason to give up the habit, here's another one. You know, since none of us can live without the heart's efforts inside each of our bodies.