New York State Smokers' Quitline

It's Never Too Late To Stop!

When you stop, your body begins to repair itself immediately.

20 minutes…

  • Heart rate drops.
  • Blood pressure drops to a level close to what it was before the last cigarette smoked.
  • Body temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.

8hours…

  • Lung mucus begins to clear, making breathing easier.
  • Carbon monoxide blood levels drop to normal and oxygen levels increase.

24 hours…

  • Risk of heart attack decreases.

48 hours…

  • Nerve endings start to regrow.
  • Senses of smell and taste improve.

72 hours…

  • Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier.
  • Overall energy level increases.
  • Coughing, congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease.

2 weeks to 3 months…

  • Blood circulation improves.
  • Body is better able to fight infection.
  • Walking becomes easier.
  • Lung function increases up to 30%.

1 to 9 months…

  • Less sinus congestion, wheezing and shortness of breath.
  • Cilia in lungs regrow, helping to clean lungs and reduce infections.

1 year…

  • Risk of dying from a heart attack is cut in half.

5 years…

  • Much less risk of having a stroke.

10 years…

  • Lung cancer death rate drops by 50% compared to that of a smoker.
  • Precancerous cells are replaced.
  • Risk of contracting other cancers decrease.