Heart Rate Normalizes
Your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop back to normal levels.
What happens to your body 20 min after quitting smoking
Within just 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your body begins its recovery. The nicotine-induced spike in heart rate starts to subside, and your blood pressure begins returning to a healthier baseline. Your hands and feet may start to feel warmer as peripheral circulation improves. This is the very first sign that quitting is already working — your cardiovascular system is responding almost immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Why does heart rate change after quitting smoking?
Nicotine is a stimulant that increases heart rate by 10–20 beats per minute. Once you stop inhaling nicotine, your heart no longer needs to work as hard, and your resting heart rate begins to normalize.
Can I feel the difference after just 20 minutes?
Most people won't notice a dramatic change, but measurable improvements in heart rate and blood pressure begin immediately. Some people notice warmer hands and feet as circulation starts improving.