This tool shows how your body begins to heal as soon as you quit smoking
If you quit smoking right now, at 11:48 PM (EST)
on November 20, 2009, here is what will begin to happen immediately:
12:08 AM(in 20 minutes): Your heart rate drops.
11:48 AM (in 12 hours): The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to normal.
Dec. 4, 2009- Feb. 20, 2010 (in 2 weeks to 3 months): Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lungs are working better.
Dec. 20, 2009- Aug. 20, 2010 (in 1 to 9 months): Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease and your lungs start to function better, lowering your risk of lung infection.
Nov. 20, 2010 (in 1 year): Your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
Nov. 20, 2014 (in 5 years): Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn't smoke.
Nov. 20, 2019 (in 10 years): Your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker's. Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also decreases.
Nov. 20, 2024 (in 15 years): Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who doesn't smoke.