What Happens When You Quit Smoking
Your body starts healing within minutes of your last cigarette. Here's the complete, science-backed timeline of how your health recovers — from 20 minutes to 15 years.
Heart Rate Normalizes
Your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop back to normal levels.
Oxygen Levels Rise
Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.
Heart Attack Risk Drops
Your risk of heart attack begins to decrease significantly.
Senses Return
Nerve endings start to regrow. Your sense of taste and smell begin to improve.
Breathing Easier
Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier. Energy levels increase.
Circulation Improves
Blood circulation significantly improves. Walking becomes easier.
Lung Cilia Regrow
Tiny hair-like structures in your lungs start to regrow, reducing infection risk.
Heart Disease Risk Halved
Circulation and lung function improve by up to 30%. Heart disease risk drops significantly.
Airways Heal
Lung cilia are fully restored. Coughing and shortness of breath decrease dramatically.
Heart Risk Cut in Half
Your risk of coronary heart disease is now half that of a smoker.
Stroke Risk Normalized
Your risk of stroke is now the same as someone who has never smoked.
Cancer Risk Halved
Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Other cancer risks also decrease.
Full Recovery
Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who has never smoked.
Full Recovery Timeline
Your body's recovery progress from first cigarette-free minute to full health restoration.