
This is how much – and how quickly – you’ll reap the benefits of quitting.
Smoking damages every organ in the body. These are the major advantages of giving up smoking:
After 20 minutes:
Your blood pressure and pulse are back to normal and your circulation has improved.After 8 hours:
Your cells are receiving a normal supply of oxygen again, and your risk of a heart attack is decreasing.After 24 hours:
Carbon monoxide from the cigarette smoke has been completely eliminated from your body. Your lungs start to break down the mucus and smoke residues.After 48 hours:
Your body is now free of nicotine. Your sense of smell and taste is improving.After 72 hours:
Breathing is easier. Your bronchi are relaxing and you have more energy.
After 2–12 weeks:
Your circulation is improving, and this improves your performance during sports and sex.After 3–9 months:
Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath and wheezing are becoming much less of a problem. Your lung function is improving.After 5 years:
Your risk of a heart attack is now only half that of a smoker.After 10 years:
Your risk of developing lung cancer is now only half that of a person who smokes.