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A project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
womenshealth.gov

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Smoking and How To Quit
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What happens to your body when you quit smoking?

This tool shows how your body begins to heal as soon as you quit smoking.

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If you quit smoking right now, at 02:43 AM (EST) on July 31, 2012, here is what will begin to happen immediately:

  • 3:03 AM (in 20 minutes): Your heart rate drops.
  • 2:43 PM (in 12 hours): The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to normal.
  • Aug. 14, 2012 - Oct. 31, 2012 (in 2 weeks to 3 months): Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lungs are working better.
  • Aug. 31, 2012 - Apr. 30, 2013 (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.
  • Jul. 31, 2013 (in 1 year): Your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
  • Jul. 31, 2017 (in five years): Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn't smoke.
  • Jul. 31, 2022 (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.
  • Jul. 31, 2027 (in 15 years): Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who doesn't smoke.

Content last updated July 16, 2012.

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