Lifes Simple 7 focuses on the seven steps you can take to make a difference in your health: control cholesterol, manage blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, stop smoking, lose weight, get active and eat better. Visit www.heart.orgMyLifeCheck for more information. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries — which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke. Controlling or reversing atherosclerosis is an important part of preventing future heart attack or stroke.