Time since quitting |
Beneficial health changes that take place |
20 minutes | Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. |
8 hours | Oxygen levels return to normal. Carbon monoxide levels in blood drop to normal. |
24 hours | Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. Chance of heart attack decreases. |
48 hours | Nerve endings start regrowing. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved. |
72 hours | Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase. |
2 – 12 weeks | Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. |
3 – 9 months | Coughs, wheezing, and breathing problems improve as lung function increases up to 30%. |
1 year | Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker. |
10 years | Risk of lung cancer falls to that of a non-smoker. |
15 years | Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked. |