Countdown to a Healthier Life

However long you have been smoking your body will benefit the minute you stop. When you stop, this is what happens:

After...

20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse return to normal

8 hours: The nicotine and carbon monoxide in your blood reduces by half. Oxygen levels in your blood return to normal

1 day: Your body is clear of carbon monoxide and your lungs start to clear of tar

2 days: The nicotine in your body has disappeared. Food tastes nicer. Your sense of smell improves

3 days: You're less breathless and more energetic

First 3 months: Walking and running is easier

3 - 9 months: Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve

1 year: Your risk of a heart attack is reduced by half

10 years: Your risk of getting cancer, stroke or chronic lung disease is reduced. Your risk of lung cancer is reduced by half. Your risk of a heart attack returns to the level of a non-smoker. If you have already suffered a heart attack your risk of a second attack is reduced by half.