Heart Attack Risk Drops
Your risk of heart attack begins to decrease significantly.
What happens to your body 24 hours after quitting smoking
After just one full day without smoking, your risk of a heart attack begins to decrease. Smoking raises your heart attack risk by promoting blood clots, narrowing arteries, and increasing blood pressure. Within 24 hours, carbon monoxide is almost completely cleared from your blood, and your cardiovascular system starts to stabilize. Your blood pressure continues to normalize and the strain on your heart is measurably reduced.
Frequently asked questions
How much does heart attack risk drop in 24 hours?
While the exact percentage varies by individual, research shows that heart attack risk begins declining within the first 24 hours. The reduction continues steadily — after 1 year, your risk is roughly half that of a smoker.
Why does smoking increase heart attack risk?
Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, promotes plaque buildup, increases blood clotting, raises blood pressure, and forces your heart to work harder. Removing these factors starts the healing process immediately.