Homepage > Health

When Smokers Quit

Benefits Are Immediate

20 Minutes After Quitting:

Your blood pressure drops to a level close to that before the last cigarette. The temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.

8 Hours After Quitting:

The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

24 hours After Quitting:

Your chance of heart attack decreases.

2 Weeks-3 Months After Quitting:

Your circulation improves and your lung function increases up to 30 percent.

1-9 Months After Quitting:

Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decreases; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lung) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection.

1 Year After Quitting:

The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.

5-15 Years After Quitting:

Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting.

10 Years After Quitting:

The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker's. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, espohagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.

15 Years After Quitting:

The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker's.

Source: American Cancer Society


Links We Like

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Health Topics & Information

Many seemingly healthy foods are actually bad for your heart. Learn how to replace the imposters with nutritionally rich foods. More

Sponsored Links