Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. Middle aged smokers are 3 times more likely to die from coronary heart disease than non-smokers. Learn More
If you quit smoking right now, this tool shows how your body begins to heal immediately. (View the text-only version)
2:08 PM (in 20 minutes): Your heart rate drops.
1:48 AM (in 12 hours): The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to normal.
Oct. 5, 2008- Dec. 21, 2008 (in 2 weeks to 3 months): Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lungs are working better.
Oct. 21, 2008- Jun. 21, 2009 (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.
Sep. 21, 2009 (in 1 year) : Your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
Sep. 21, 2013 (in 5 years) : Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn't smoke.
Sep. 21, 2018 (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.
Sep. 21, 2023 (in 15 years) : Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who doesn't smoke.