Your Body Changes on Quitting

• After 20 minutes
Pulse rate returns to normal. Circulation improves in hands and feet, making them warmer.

• 8 hours
Oxygen levels in the blood return to normal. Chances of a heart attack start to fall.

• 24 hours
Carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body. The lungs start to clear out mucous and other debris.

• 48 hours
The ability to taste and smell starts to improve.

• 72 hours
Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax. Energy levels increase.

• 2-12 weeks
Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking easier.

• 3-9 months
Breathing problems such as cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing improve. Overall, lung function is increased by 5-1O%.

• 5 years
Risk of a heart attack falls about half that of a smoker.

• 10 years
Risk of lung cancer falls to about half of that found in a smoker. Risk of a heart attack falls to about the same as someone who has never smoked.