Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease and preventable deaths in the world. Despite this, some smokers find it too difficult to quit smoking. It takes too long to see the improvements in their health, that’s everyone believes.

However, health improvement timeline after quitting smoking is much faster than most people realize. Health benefits begin in as little as an hour after the last cigarette and continue to improve.

Quit Smoking: What happens?

After 1 hour
In less than 20 minutes, the heart rate drops and returns to normal. Blood pressure begins to drop to normal.

After 12 hours
After 12 hours without cigarette, the human body cleanses itself of excess amount of carbon monoxide gained cigarettes. Increases body’s oxygen level.

After 1 day
Just after 1 day of quitting smoking, the risk of heart disease start decreasing. Smoking raises the risk of developing coronary heart disease by lowering good cholesterol.

After 2 days
Smoking damages nerves responsible for the senses of smell and taste. In as little as 2 days after quitting smoking, a person may notice an improvement in these senses as these nerves heal.

After 3 days
After 3 days of quitting smoking, nicotine levels in a person’s body are depleted. Most people will experience severe headache and cravings to take nicotine as the body readjusts.

After 1 month
In 1 month, human body’s lung function begins to improve. Former smoker may experience less coughing and may notice a renewed ability for cardiovascular activities, such as running and jumping.

After 9 months
Nine months after quitting, the lungs have significantly healed themselves. The delicate, hair-like structures inside the lungs known as cilia would have recovered from the cigarette smoke. Cilia help push mucus out of the lungs and help fight infections.

After 1 year
Arteries and blood vessels to begin to widen again. One year after quitting smoking, a person’s risk for coronary heart disease decreases by half.

Outlook

Smoking is really a harmful habit that can lead to severe health complications and death. When a person quits smoking, the body will start to naturally heal and regain the vitality of a non-smoker over time.

So let’s accept this excellent choice for your healthy heart & say #IAmHeartHealthy.