Time since quitting
Beneficial health changes that take place
20 minutes
Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.
8 hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half, oxygen levels return to normal.
24 hours
Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body.
Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
48 hours
There is no nicotine left in the body.
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.
3 - 9 months
Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function is increased by up to 10%.
1 year
Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years
Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.
15 years
Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
Beneficial health changes that take place
20 minutes
Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.
8 hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half, oxygen levels return to normal.
24 hours
Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body.
Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
48 hours
There is no nicotine left in the body.
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.
3 - 9 months
Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function is increased by up to 10%.
1 year
Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years
Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.
15 years
Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
