What happens when I stop smoking?
April 19, 2007 by Kenneth Carlson, MD
Everyone is aware of long term health consequences of smoking including heart disease, cancer and stroke. What about the short term benefits? More immediate benefits can often be more motivating than long term benefits, no matter how great. I recently found a great article that listed out what to expect soon after quitting smoking. Remember, it is the best gift you can give to your child’s health.
- In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
- In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.
- In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.
- In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.
- In 2 weeks your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.
- In three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.
- In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.
- In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.
- In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
- In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
Quit now for your own health and the health of those around you.
Oregon tobacco quit line at 877-270-STOP (7867) is a free service with guidance and advice on effective treatments.
Original article at Healthbolt.
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