MENUBenefits of Quitting
Good Physical Effects from Quitting
Within 15 - 20 minutes after your last cigarette, the body begins making changes that can last a lifetime.
15 - 20 minutes:
Nicotine levels in your blood begin to fall. Within 2 days, all of the nicotine and nicotine by-products are gone.
6 hours:
Your heart rate and blood pressure become lower. However, it may take a month for them to return to normal.
12 hours:
All of the harmful carbon monoxide is out of your system. Oxygen level in blood returns to normal. You will be able to do more without being so short of breath.
24 hours:
Your chance of having a heart attack decreases.
48 hours:
Your sense of taste and smell will improve and your hair, teeth, fingers, and breath will be cleaner.
2 weeks to 3 months:
Circulation improves. You may feel a tingling sensation in your arms and legs, as there is an increase in blood flow to these areas. Walking becomes easier. Lung function increases. Your skin will look healthier.
Within the first 3 months:
Your lungs clean themselves of all the extra mucus that has built up, thereby reducing the chance of infection. You may notice some added coughing for a few days.
1 year:
Your risk of heart disease lowers 50% and the risk of lung cancer decreases steadily as well.
5 years:
Your risk of stroke is reduced to that of a tobacco nonuser.
10 years:
Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a tobacco nonuser.
15 years:
Your risk of coronary heart disease is reduced to that of a tobacco non-user.