Here are just some of the ways that your body starts to repair itself after you quit smoking.

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blood_pressure

After 20 mins

Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.

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oxygen

After 12 hours

The oxygen carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal.

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taste_smell

Within 48 hours

Your sense of smell and taste start to improve. 

Your risk of heart attack begins to drop.

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deep_breath

Within 72 hours

Breathing gets easier as your airways relax.

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lungs

After 2-3 weeks

Your circulation improves and your lung function increases by as much as 30%, making things like exercise easier.

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After 1-9 months

Coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Fewer colds and runny noses, and less fatigue.

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heart_attack_risk_half_1

After 1 year

The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half of that of someone who still smokes, AND your risk of smoking-related heart attack drops by 50%.

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stroke

After 5 years

Your risk of stroke can fall to that of a non-smoker.

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doctor_1

After 10 years

Your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. Your risk of cancer of the larynx or pancreas decreases.

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health

After 15 years

Your risk of heart attack is equal to that of a non-smoker.

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How will your life get better when you quit?

These are just some of the amazing health benefits of quitting smoking. Quitting also lowers your risk of other cancers, including stomach, liver, bladder, and kidney cancers. It improves your fertility and reduces your risk of diabetes. It can also prevent existing health conditions from worsening and can help you heal faster from surgery or infections.  

Quitting at a younger age has the most benefits— quitting before age 40 reduces the risk of dying from smoking-related cancers by about 90% — but quitting at any age has incredible benefits for your health.