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When Smokers Quit —
Reasons to Stop Smoking Now
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20 minutes later
Blood pressure drops, pulse rate drops to normal, and body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.
8 hours later
Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal, and oxygen level in blood increases to normal.
24 hours later
Chance of a heart attack decreases.
48 hours later
Nerve endings start regrowing, and the ability to smell and taste is enhanced.
2 weeks to 3 months later
Circulation improves, walking becomes easier, and lung function increases up to 30%.
1 month to 9 months later
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease; cilia regrow in the lungs, increasing the body's ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection; and overall energy increases.
1 year later
Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.
5 years later
Rate of lung cancer death for average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half; stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5 to 15 years after quitting; and the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker.
10 years later
Rate of lung cancer death is similar to that of non-smokers; precancerous cells are replaced; and risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
15 years later
Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker.
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Quit Now For a Healthy Tomorrow
Smoking can lead to diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. Secondhand smoke can also harm your family and loved ones. When you quit smoking, you give yourself and those around you the best possible chance for a healthy future.
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