WHEN SMOKERS QUIT

After 20 MINUTES

• Blood pressure drops to normal
• Pulse rate drops to normal
• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

After 8 HOURS

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

After 24 HOURS

• Chance of heart attack decreases

After 48 HOURS

• Nerve endings start regrowing
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

In 2 WEEKS to 3 MONTHS

• Circulation improves
• Walking becomes easier
• Lung function increases up to 30 percent

In 1 to 9 MONTHS

• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease
• Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucous, clean the lungs, reduce infection
• Body’s overall energy increases

In 1 YEAR

• Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

In 5 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate for average former smoker (1 pack a day) decreases by almost half
• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smokers

In 10 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate similar to that of nonsmokers
• Precancerous cells are replaced
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, kidney and pancreas decreases

In 15 YEARS

• Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker

Source: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention