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.